get a word in edgewise and get a word in edgeways

get a word in edgeways

To speak or express one's opinion despite other people dominating the conversation (hence the image of squeezing words in "edgeways"—sideways). Usually used in negative constructions to convey the opposite. When Mary paused in her monologue, I was finally able to get a word in edgeways about my own weekend! The third-tier candidate couldn't get a word in edgeways at the debate. The date was pretty boring. She just blathered on the whole evening, and I couldn't get a word in edgeways.

See also: edgeways, get, word

get a word in edgewise

To speak or express one's opinion despite other people dominating the conversation (hence the image of squeezing words in "edgewise"—sideways). Usually used in negative constructions to convey the opposite. When Mary paused in her monologue, I was finally able to get a word in edgewise about my own weekend! The third-tier candidate couldn't get a word in edgewise at the debate. The date was pretty boring. She just blathered on the whole evening, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

See also: edgewise, get, word

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get a word in edgewise and get a word in edgeways

Fig. to manage to say something when other people are talking and ignoring you. (Often in the negative. Alludes to trying to "squeeze" a word into a running conversation.) It was such an exciting conversation that I could hardly get a word in edgewise. Mary talks so fast that nobody can get a word in edgeways.

See also: and, edgeways, edgewise, get, word

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.