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 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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.

get a word in edgeways

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

(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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • edgeways
  • get a word in edgewise
  • get a word in edgewise and get a word in edgeways
  • edgewise
  • able to get a word in edgewise
  • not get a word in edgeways
  • bother about
  • bother about (someone or something)
  • bother with
  • bother with (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
It was for fraud and not because he wouldn't let the bloke in the confession box get a word in edgeways.
AMY DINES OUT ON TONY SONGS
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.
IT SUITS TAYLORS
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.
MAN OF THE PEOPLE
He added: "It's ridiculous to say she didn't let the other presenters get a word in edgeways. Melinda was an anchor for the show and had to provide opinions."
Melinda has parting shot at Wrighty; TELEVISION
If questions are not being directed at Griffin, then the audience will be taking exception to his responses, with anyone else struggling to get a word in edgeways.
A question of ratings; Yourview
"Louis couldn't get a word in edgeways and went redder and redder." Gillian, famous for publicly analysing fat people's pooh on her show You Are What You Eat, was eventually dragged away by I'm A Celebrity winner Kerry Katona.
GILLIAN McGRIEF; Diet guru injured after public bust-up with X Factor's Louis
I WATCHED Gary Newbon slate the Mail on television and not allow Bill Howell to get a word in edgeways and found it astonishing.
Letter: YourShout - Newbon attack was no ambush
Waving to passengers, Joan shouted: "We're off to Vegas for a great time!" Vera said: "It'll be a super video." Jack, of course, couldn't get a word in edgeways.
VERA WE GO!; Vegas-bound Duckworths meet Joan
Booming-voiced Brian Blessed managed to make himself heard when he hosted the satirical quiz show a couple of weeks ago, but with Ian Hislop and Paul Merton (above) busy matching wits, will guest host Lee Mack manage to get a word in edgeways?
Friday: PICK OF THE DAY