言いうなれば

expression

so to speak; as it were; in a manner of speaking

Used to introduce a metaphorical or rephrased explanation, similar to 'so to speak' or 'as it were'. Often appears in formal or explanatory contexts.

• 彼かれは、言いうなれば、この会かい社しゃの心しん臓ぞう部ぶだ。

  He is, so to speak, the heart of this company.

• この計けい画かくは、言いうなれば、砂さ上じょうの楼ろう閣かくに過すぎない。

  This plan is, as it were, nothing more than a castle built on sand.