IdiomDaily LifeEnglish

get a word in edgewise

Meaning: To insert a word or sentence into an otherwise one-sided conversation.

Example: “Aunt Linda talked so much at dinner that nobody could get a word in edgewise.”

Origin: "Edgewise" means sideways, like pushing a thin object through a narrow gap. A speaker who can hardly slip a word into a conversation dominated by someone else is trying to fit it in edgewise. The phrase is recorded from the 18th century; the British say "edgeways."

More English idioms

Explore another collection: Proverbs

Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.

Browse all proverbs →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →