so to speak 

Used after sentences to express that there is a metaphor in it. It can be generally interchanged with like-clause:

It is X, so to speak.
It is like X.

I love this jacket. I always wear it when I go to work. It is a uniform for me, so to speak.

so to speak by terb kund April 28, 2009

so to speak 

Follows a statement or phrase, usually to insinuate or indicate sexual innuendo.

Brian likes to do it both ways...so to speak.

Gregory packed a hot lunch today...so to speak.

Alan likes a little duck butter on his kielbasa...so to speak.

so to speak by M. Mitchell February 4, 2004