as\ it\ were

as\ it\ were
adv. phr.
As it might be said to be; as if it really were; seemingly. - Used with a statement that might seem silly or unreasonable, to show that it is just a way of saying it.

In many ways children live, as it were, in a different world from adults.

The sunlight on the icy branches made, as it were, delicate lacy cobwebs from tree to tree.

Compare: so to speak

Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

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