able to get a word in edgewise

able to get a word in edgewise

Able to speak despite other people dominating the conversation (hence the image of squeezing words in "edgewise"—sideways). Usually used in the negative. When Mary came up for air in her monologue, I was finally able to get a word in edgewise about my own weekend! The third-tier candidate wasn't able to get a word in edgewise at the debate.
See also: able, edgewise, get, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • edgewise
  • get a word in edgeways
  • get a word in edgewise
  • get a word in edgewise and get a word in edgeways
  • edgeways
  • not get a word in edgeways
  • someone's ears are flapping
  • flap
  • (someone's) ears are flapping
  • ears are flapping
References in periodicals archive
The Apprentice (BBC1, 9pm) We can all heave a sigh of relief now that the extremely annoying Melissa has left the show, and maybe one of the other contestants will be able to get a word in edgewise. Tonight the teams have to choose a designer to back, before selling their line at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.
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