in inverted commas

in inverted commas

Used to indicate that something one just said is untruthful, ironic, or disingenuous. ("Inverted commas" is another term for quotation marks, chiefly used in British English.) We were "taught," in inverted commas, by the teaching assistant, but we did most of our learning independently.
See also: comma
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in inverted commas

BRITISH, SPOKEN
COMMON If you say in inverted commas after or before a word or phrase, you are drawing attention to the word, and showing that it is not an accurate way to describe the situation you are referring to. So, in what sense do you see the students as disadvantaged, in inverted commas? I think that the assumptions of some people were that we would take democratic decisions, well, democratic in inverted commas. Compare with quote, unquote.
See also: comma
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

in inverted ˈcommas

(spoken) used to show that you think a particular word, description, etc. is not true or appropriate: The manager showed us to our ‘luxury apartment’, in inverted commas.
Inverted commas are another name for quotation marks (‘ ’) or (“ ”).
See also: comma
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • comma
  • strike a false note
  • sound a false note
  • sound/strike a false note
  • could do without (something)
  • could/can do without something
  • be a world away
  • be worlds/a world away
  • banana oil
  • be worlds away
References in periodicals archive
I say 'stunning' in inverted commas because they weren't revelations at all, they were completely obvious to anyone with half a brain.
Twenty-eight minutes into the contest - although that word should probably come in inverted commas - a cross from right-back Leandro dropped behind Zico, but he expertly adjusted his body position and met the ball sweetly, volleying past goalkeeper Frank van Hattum, who could only fall to the ground helplessly.
"We will get married because we don't want our relationship to exist in inverted commas. That one word MARRIED is crucial because it defines our relationship" - Broadcaster Alice Arnold, civil partner of fellow broadcaster Clare Balding.
We are either told that "independence" (invariably in inverted commas) will be so similar in practice to the status quo as to be quite literally pointless, or else that "separation" (rarely in inverted commas even though it ought to be) will constitute a terrifying, earth-shattering change.
"He must have known that, he must have intended to be seen in the context of having had the courage to do what he did and to assault this - I put it in inverted commas - 'wicked newspaper owner'," he added.
That's why, in inverted commas, inviting a criminal proves how open-minded Turkey is," he said.
IN YOUR recent article by local government correspondent Neil Elkes, the Jewellery Quarter Investment "safe", I notice that the word "safe" was in inverted commas.
I put "protected" in inverted commas because it appears that when it suits the council, the site becomes green field, brown field, protected or not protected etc.
My least favourite show is anything to do with Bodyshock - The Man with a Giant Tumour, or a doctor, in inverted commas, who can tell you how to get your kid to lose weight.
"Stall ten could be seen as lucky in inverted commas," she said.
"On July 7 I became a Muslim MP who was 'responsible', in inverted commas, for the four suicide bombers, who was a spokesman for two million British Muslims.
Corbett shot man-eaters and not in inverted commas. He rid Kumaon of many tigers who had taken lives; he did not do this for financial interest or blood lust but to protect men and women who were indeed in 'a state of abject terror'.
Supporters are suddenly inviting us - in inverted commas - to repeat the feat!
Mr Wallace's wife Julie, who is helped by son William, 13, said: "It is freedom in inverted commas for both of us."
I have put 'catalogue' in inverted commas, because although the Behlings claim it to be nothing more, its quality, in terms of image and the pedigree of its contributors make it more like an exhibition in its own right.