in a manner of speaking
phrase
—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.
Cite this Entry
“In a manner of speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20a%20manner%20of%20speaking. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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