get a word in edgewise

Meaning

This idiom means to manage to say something when other people are talking constantly or dominating the conversation. It is typically used in the negative (e.g., 'couldn't get a word in edgewise') to express frustration about a chatty person. The tone is casual and slightly annoyed.

Examples

• She was talking so fast that I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

  She was talking so fast that I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

• It's hard to get a word in edgewise when the whole family starts arguing.

  It's hard to get a word in edgewise when the whole family starts arguing.

• I tried to explain my side of the story, but I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

  I tried to explain my side of the story, but I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

• Once Mark starts talking about his new car, nobody else can get a word in edgewise.

  Once Mark starts talking about his new car, nobody else can get a word in edgewise.

• During the meeting, the clients talked non-stop, and we barely got a word in edgewise.

  During the meeting, the clients talked non-stop, and we barely got a word in edgewise.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I couldn't put a word in edgewise.

  ✓ I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

  The correct verb to use in this idiom is 'get', not 'put'.

• ✗ She talked so much I couldn't get my words in edgeways.

  ✓ She talked so much I couldn't get a word in edgeways.

  The expression uses the singular 'a word', not plural 'words'. Note that 'edgewise' is more common in American English, while 'edgeways' is common in British English.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The conversation was so fast-paced that I couldn't ___.

  💡 Find a brief moment to speak.

  Show answer

  get a word in edgewise

• When my sister is on the phone, it is impossible to ___.

  💡 Say something while she is talking.

  Show answer

  get a word in edgewise