so to speak
idiom
—used to indicate that one is using words in an unusual or figurative way rather than a literal way
We need to be all on the same wavelength, so to speak.
Examples of so to speak in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Reactivating a difficult memory—loosening the cement, so to speak—requires just a fleeting recollection.
—
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
Well, here’s the backstory, so to speak, that @christinexploring—whose profile names her as Christine Connell—provided across that initial TikTok post and a follow-up one.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Once the 10-minute timer goes off, players make an active choice to leave those thoughts inside the penalty box, so to speak, and move on to trying to fall asleep again.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Shipping up to Boston, so to speak, was another hurdle.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for so to speak
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Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
Well, here’s the backstory, so to speak, that @christinexploring—whose profile names her as Christine Connell—provided across that initial TikTok post and a follow-up one.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Once the 10-minute timer goes off, players make an active choice to leave those thoughts inside the penalty box, so to speak, and move on to trying to fall asleep again.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Shipping up to Boston, so to speak, was another hurdle.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for so to speak
Cite this Entry
“So to speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/so%20to%20speak. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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