manner (redirected from as if to the manner born)

(as) to the manner born (slightly formal)

if you behave to the manner born, you behave confidently, as if a particular situation is usual and familiar for you. Although he never lost his lower-class accent, he lived the life of a rich and successful businessman as to the manner born.

See also: born

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in a manner of speaking

this is one way to say it. “We should go south.” “So that means I should turn left?” “In a manner of speaking, yes.” She was, in a manner of speaking, not at her best – in fact, she was exhausted and had the flu.

Usage notes: sometimes used to suggest that something unpleasant is being described in a more pleasant way

if you will

in other words

See also: speaking