When someone says ‘metaphorically speaking,’ they are indicating that they are using a metaphor to express their thoughts or ideas. A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, suggesting that one thing is another to highlight similarities between them.
For example, if someone says, ‘Time is a thief,’ they are not implying that time literally steals, but rather that it can take away moments from our lives. By using ‘metaphorically speaking,’ the speaker makes it clear that they are not to be taken literally, but are instead conveying a deeper meaning or perspective.
In conversation or writing, using metaphors enriches language by allowing for more vivid and imaginative expressions, thereby enhancing the listener’s or reader’s understanding and emotional response.