Por decirlo así
Example: Él es mi amigo, por decirlo así, mi hermano.
Definition
"Por decirlo así" is a Spanish expression used to indicate that the speaker is using a phrase or term in an approximate or figurative manner, often to soften or clarify what is being said. It means 'so to speak' or 'as it were' in English.
Etymology
The phrase "por decirlo así" literally translates to 'for saying it like this.' It originates from the Spanish verb 'decir' meaning 'to say,' combined with 'por' meaning 'for' or 'by,' and 'así' meaning 'like this.' It is a common way to introduce a figurative or approximate expression.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Por decirlo así" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (B1) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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