In manner of speaking, was grass laid around lake? (5)

I believe the answer is:

slang

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'in manner' is the definition.
'slang' can be an answer for 'manner' (I have seen 'manner of speaking' mean 'slang' so perhaps 'manner' could also mean 'slang'). I'm unsure of the 'in' bit.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for slang that I've seen before include "Berate" , "manner of speaking" , "Informal language used by a set of people" , "Non-standard vocabulary" , "Unconventional language" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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