What does the cryptic crossword clue "Sweatier when running, so to speak (2,2,4)" mean?

The definition is "so to speak". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of SWEATIER = AS IT WERE; definition: "so to speak" The answer is AS IT WERE.

Sweatier when running, so to speak (2,2,4)

Times Cryptic #28730 | 25 Across | 2023-10-10 flower