metaphorically speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"metaphorically speaking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to point out that what you are saying is not to be taken literally, but rather is meant to be figurative. For example: "I'm climbing the walls, metaphorically speaking, waiting for the final results of my exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Metaphorically speaking".

The New Yorker

Which is, metaphorically speaking, getting naked.

The New York Times

I was less sanguine – metaphorically speaking.

The Guardian - Books

So, metaphorically speaking, I am betting on Art".

The New Yorker

Metaphorically speaking, the Uravan speed limit was set at zero.

The New Yorker

Metaphorically speaking, of course: we don't condone violence here.

The Times

When we write novels we pass through walls, metaphorically speaking.

The Guardian - Books

Why cut it and (metaphorically speaking) kill his baby?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

So, please, don't fall asleep at the wheel (metaphorically-speaking) as you drive down life's highway!

Huffington Post

Remember to add emotion or you will sound like a robot metaphorically speaking!

WikiHow

Metaphorically speaking, that is.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "metaphorically speaking", ensure that the metaphor you are employing is easily understood by your audience to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "metaphorically speaking" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Rely on context and well-crafted metaphors to convey your meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "metaphorically speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the sentence to indicate that the statement should be interpreted non-literally. It adds a layer of meaning, signaling a figurative expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Metaphorically speaking" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to signal non-literal language, appearing frequently across various contexts, as validated by Ludwig. Its primary function is to prevent misinterpretation and encourage audiences to understand implied comparisons. With a neutral register, this phrase finds common usage in "news & media", "science", and academia, as well as suitable alternatives like "figuratively speaking" and "so to speak", but Ludwig AI recommends avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figuratively speaking

This alternative shares a direct synonymy, focusing on the non-literal interpretation of the statement.

in a figurative sense

It offers a more formal tone, emphasizing that the intended meaning is symbolic rather than factual.

in a manner of speaking

This phrase softens the statement and hints at an approximation of the true meaning.

so to speak

This is a more concise way to indicate the non-literal intention behind the words.

not in the literal sense

It directly clarifies that the statement shouldn't be understood at face value.

symbolically speaking

This phrase emphasizes that the statement is meant to represent something else through symbolism.

in metaphorical terms

It highlights the use of metaphor as the means of conveying the intended meaning.

as a figure of speech

This clarifies that the statement is a rhetorical device and not a factual claim.

if you will

This is an informal way to introduce a potentially unconventional or figurative expression.

to put it figuratively

This alternative is used to explicitly state that the following expression is figurative.

FAQs

How can I use "metaphorically speaking" in a sentence?

Use "metaphorically speaking" to signal that you're not using literal language, such as, "He was drowning in paperwork, "metaphorically speaking"."

What are some alternatives to saying "metaphorically speaking"?

You can use phrases like "figuratively speaking", "in a figurative sense", or "so to speak" to achieve a similar effect.

Is it always necessary to use "metaphorically speaking" when using a metaphor?

No, it's not always necessary. If the context makes it clear that you're using a metaphor, the phrase might be redundant. Use it when there's a risk of misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "literally" and "metaphorically speaking"?

"Literally" means something is true to the exact definition, while "metaphorically speaking" indicates something is true in an imaginative or symbolic way. They are opposites.