after a fashion

1. Also, after a sort. Somehow or other; not very well, as in John can read music, after a fashion, or He managed to paint the house after a sort. The first phrase, in which fashion means “a manner of doing something,” has been so used since the mid-1800s, when it replaced in a fashion. The variant dates from the mid-1500s. Also see in a way; (somehow) or other.

Example Sentences

Ultimately, Rogers confided, the visitor would get her audience with Miss Pickford after all —after a fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

A solitary, bookish boy whose dreams came true, after a fashion, who proved that movies really can change your life — albeit in ways you can never quite plan on.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, true crime can be a passive teacher in the same way all entertainment is, after a fashion.

From Salon

She was working as a model in Manhattan when a friend arranged for them to meet the rock band after a fashion show, her legal documents say.

From BBC

It’s not writing, but after a fashion, it is creating.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anyway