expression, godan verb (-u)
speak metaphorically; use a figure of speech
Used when clarifying that a statement is not literal but a metaphor or figure of speech.
「人生は旅だ」と例えに言うことがある。
People sometimes say metaphorically that 'life is a journey.'
それは例えに言っただけで、本当
I was just speaking figuratively; it doesn't mean I can actually fly.