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.