As it were
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Softening Statements
Use 'as it were' to make a strong statement or opinion less direct or blunt. 
She took charge of the situation, the leader, as it were.
Pro Tip 2/3Irony or Humor
It's often used to add a humorous or ironic spin to a statement. 
I was the chef of the evening, as it were, with my one signature dish.
Pro Tip 3/3Imperfect Metaphors
Use when you're making a comparison that isn't literal or precise. 
We navigated the shopping mall, a jungle, as it were.