THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Get a word in edgeways
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Manage to say something while another person is talking a lot.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Ben talked through lunch, and I could hardly get a word in edgeways.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Ben talked through lunch, and I could hardly ________.
Show the answer
Get a word in edgeways — Manage to say something while another person is talking a lot.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Get a word in edgeways” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Manage to say something while another person is talking a lot.
Compare: Ben talked through lunch, and I could hardly get a word in edgeways.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression when conversation leaves little room for you to speak. It often appears in complaints about an overly talkative person.
More examples in context
- Could you pause so Maya can get a word in edgeways?
- I finally got a word in edgeways and asked about the deadline.
Usage note
“Edgeways” is British English; “edgewise” is the usual American form. The phrase often follows “can’t”, “couldn’t” or “hardly”, because the speaker has little chance to contribute.
A short conversation
A: Did you explain your idea at the meeting?
B: I couldn’t get a word in edgeways. Everyone spoke at once.
A: Ask for a short turn at the start next time.
One more practice question
If you cannot get a word in edgeways, what is the problem?
A. Other people are talking so much that you cannot contribute.
B. Nobody is speaking and you have unlimited time.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes difficulty finding a chance to speak.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.