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Oxford Advanced Learner Dictionary says that the idiom so to speak is used to emphasize that you are expressing something in an unusual or humorous way

E.g.

They were all very similar. All cut from the same cloth, so to speak.

I was told by a native speaker that so to speak is similar to the phrase let's say when I was asking how to use this phrase. Then I tried to confirm my understanding by asking whether it's also equivalent with suppose/supposing. Then they said yes. If that so, then, is it also equivalent with Imagine that and Consider?

I'm more confused, honestly. The definition from OALD above clearly states it's used to emphasize something unusual or humorous. And the answerer made me think that this phrase is used to imagine that is something is true or make an assumption. Is it how exactly they use this phrase? Or I've misunderstood?

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    "so to speak" is used to say: I cannot express this better than I have. "That is the best I can do here." "Let's say I like ice cream" is not: "I like ice cream, so to speak". Your "informant" was mistaken. :)
    – Lambie
    Commented Jan 31, 2022 at 15:42

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let's say introduces a suggestion or possible example.

suppose/supposing means what would happen if, or what if.

so to speak explains what you are saying is not to be understood exactly (e.g. you are speaking metaphorically, or this is just one way to say it, or you couldn't find a better way to express it).

Cambridge Dictionary also notes that it's

Used to suggest that some people may not think this is a good way to say something.

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