
IdiomDaily Life
English
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
- get the message To understand something that is only hinted at, perhaps because it is unpleasant.
- get this show on the road To get started.
- get to the point To speak or write concisely and directly.
- get-up-and-go Physical energy.
- get up on the wrong side of the bed To be in a bad mood from the beginning of the day.
- give someone or something short shrift To make quick work of something or to give little time to someone.
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