So to speak
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Use 'so to speak' when you present something in a non-literal way, as if it's a metaphor. 
He's the team's secret weapon, so to speak.
Pro Tip 2/3Softening Statement
'So to speak' can soften a statement that may otherwise sound harsh or too direct. 
She was, so to speak, the elephant in the room.
Pro Tip 3/3Clarifying Approximation
It can clarify that a word or description isn't exact, but gives a close idea. 
I'm basically the office jack-of-all-trades, so to speak.