get a word in edgewise
get a word in edgewise (idiom)
/ɡet ə wɝːd ɪn ˈedʒwaɪz/
Synopsis
The idiom “get a word in edgewise” (or the British variant “get a word in edgeways“) describes the frustrating experience of trying to speak while someone else keeps talking without pause. It paints a picture of someone attempting to squeeze even a single word into a conversation that leaves almost no space for others. The phrase captures those moments when another person talks so much and so quickly that finding even the smallest chance to respond feels nearly impossible.
Meanings
- To manage to say something when another person is talking too much.
- To find a chance to speak during a busy or noisy conversation.
- To interrupt briefly so you can express your opinion or reply.
Synonyms: interrupt; break in; cut in; speak up; get a chance to speak; have a say; join the conversation.
Example Sentences
- Michael talked so nonstop during the road trip that nobody could get a word in edgewise.
- During the heated office debate, Sarah could barely get a word in edgewise before the meeting ended.
- Whenever the twins start arguing at dinner, their parents can’t get a word in edgewise.
- At the press conference, the reporters could not get a word in edgewise because the celebrity kept talking over every question.
- During Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, the younger cousins never get a word in edgewise once the adults begin discussing politics.
Etymology and Origin
One common belief ties the expression to the idea of moving sideways or on an edge to squeeze through tight spots, much like navigating a crowded room by turning sideways. This physical sense of “edgewise” or “edgeways” naturally extended to conversations, where inserting a comment feels like forcing it into a slim gap.
Another theory points to nautical roots, suggesting it comes from ships making slow progress by tacking edge-first through wind or water, mirroring the incremental way one might try to join a rapid dialogue.
These ideas overlap in picturing persistence against resistance. The core concept draws from the literal difficulty of advancing edge-on, applied figuratively to social interactions where one speaker leaves little room for others.
Where the Phrase First Emerged
The idiom appeared first in English-speaking contexts, with early printed uses pointing to Britain in the late 18th century. It spread across English varieties, developing slight spelling differences between American and British usage over time.
Earliest Known Records
The figurative use showing up in print dates to 1772. It appears in Thomas Nugent’s English translation of José Francisco de Isla’s The History of the Famous Preacher, Friar Gerund. In the passage, a character finds no chance to speak amid others’ comments, keeping silent instead. A later example from 1821 comes in the one-act play Twelve Precisely! or, A Night at Dover, where a character exclaims in frustration about being unable to interject.
These records show the phrase gaining traction in literary and dramatic works during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Interesting Facts and Variations
The two main spellings reflect regional preferences: “edgewise” in American English and “edgeways” more often in British English. Both carry the same sense and have coexisted for centuries. Some early related expressions used similar imagery of “edging in” a word without the full compound form. The idiom remains vivid today because it captures a universal experience—feeling talked over—without needing complex explanation. No major controversies surround it, but its nautical link sometimes sparks friendly debate among language enthusiasts about whether sailing truly inspired the phrase or if the sideways motion idea came first.
Variants
- get a word in edgeways
- not get a word in edgewise
- can’t get a word in edgewise
- hardly get a word in edgewise
- never get a word in edgewise
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