edgewise

American  

[ej-wahyz] / ˈɛdʒˌwaɪz /

Also edgeways

adverb

1. with the edge forward; in the direction of the edge.

2. sideways.

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idioms

1. get a word in edgewise, to succeed in entering a conversation or expressing one's opinion in spite of competition or opposition.

   There were so many people talking at once that I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

edgewise More Idioms  

1. see get a word in edgewise.

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Etymology

Origin of edgewise

First recorded in 1560–70; edge + -wise

Example Sentences

It was never easy to get a word in edgewise, and there was nothing “safe” about that space—say anything half-stupid and everyone would pile on for the next 25 years.

From The Wall Street Journal

But not before papa Ozzy got a few words in edgewise.

From Los Angeles Times

But he did not have good answers, even on those rare occasions when he was allowed to get in a word edgewise.

From Washington Post

There are moments when you almost wish Castillo would stop talking so you can get a word in edgewise.

From Los Angeles Times

Luhrmann is moving so fast, with such mannered, overbearing self-consciousness, that Butler can barely get a hip swivel in edgewise, let alone a fully realized characterization.

From Washington Post