in a manner of speaking
Definition of in a manner of speaking
—used to say that a statement is true or accurate in a certain way even if it is not literally or completely true His retirement was, in a manner of speaking, the beginning of his real career. After the storm destroyed their house, they were, in a manner of speaking, lost at sea.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
mannerplay
: kind, sort
: kinds, sorts
: a characteristic or customary mode of acting : custom
See the full definition of manner
speakingplay
: that speaks : capable of speech
: that involves talking or giving speeches
: highly significant or expressive : eloquent
See the full definition of speaking
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