figuratively

比喻地、象征性地

He meant it figuratively, not as an actual threat.

他那句话是比喻，并不是真的在威胁人。

打个比方、说得夸张点口语

Figuratively, we're all drowning in paperwork this month.

打个比方，这个月我们都快被文书工作淹没了。

打个比方说、比喻来说

Figuratively speaking, the new manager threw us into the deep end.

打个比方说，新主管一来就把我们丢进大风大浪里。