get a word in edgeways


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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 the negative 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.
See also: edgeways, get, word

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

get a word in edgeways

contribute to a conversation with difficulty because the other speaker talks almost incessantly.
See also: edgeways, get, word

(not) get a word in ˈedgeways

(British English) (American English (not) get a word in ˈedgewise) (informal) (usually used with can or could) (not) be able to say something, because somebody else is talking too much: I tried to tell him what I thought, but I couldn’t get a word in edgeways.
See also: edgeways, get, word
References in periodicals archive ?
It's usually impossible to get a word in edgeways when the chatty ex-England Under-21 team-mates hook up for their get-togethers.
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We learn nothing about the person being interviewed - as they can hardly get a word in edgeways, and the questions are trivial beyond belief - but we learn plenty about what a high opinion the interviewer has of themselves.
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So tune in on Tuesday morning on GMTV when David and I will have a rematch - if he'll let me get a word in edgeways.
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I have attended these meetings and you have to fight like a dog just to get a word in edgeways.
Grassroots democracy; views
But being able to communicate, being able to write and being able to get a word in edgeways at the dinner table - I credit Ireland with everything that has made my career possible.
Power: I have Irish temper
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