What does "as it were" mean?

[Rebecca]

"My brother runs the shop and my sister is his apprentice, as it were."
What is "as it were" in this sentence and when is "as it were" be used?
thanks in advance

[Yankee]

Hi Rebecca

It means "in a manner of speaking" or "so to speak".
The expression "as it were" has been discussed here before. Have a look at these threads:

http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic15825.html#48107

http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic13733.html
.
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[Rebecca]

thanks for your help