Definitions by barbecuesteve

as it were 

It means "in fact, if not in deed." The statement to which it applies may not be the literal truth, but it's not far from it.

He's from the top of the lower classes, as it were.

He may not have ridden her horse, but I'm sure he's saddled her mare, as it were.

as it were by barbecuesteve November 22, 2010