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to get a word in edgeways: meaning and explanation

to get a word in edgeways = to have an opportunity to speak or contribute to a discussion.

This idiom is almost always used in a negative way, to describe situations in which it is hard or impossible to speak because someone else is dominating the conversation. Because they speak so much or so constantly, it is difficult or impossible for others to speak or contribute. e.g. I wanted to ask a question but it was just impossible to get a word in edgeways.

Have a go at these micro-dictation exercises to hear this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?

Listening exercises

Dictation #1

Accent: Ireland

– .
It’s be in him – it’s get a .
It’s frustrating to be in meeting with him – it’s to get a word in .

Dictation #2

Accent: Australia

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Dictation #3

Accent: Scotland

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Extra practice

Here are some questions/links to help you learn the new vocabulary:

  • Can you remember a time when you struggled to get a word in edgeways?
  • How do communication dynamics, such as interruptions or dominating speakers, contribute to the challenge of "getting a word in edgeways"? Are there strategies to address this issue?

Photo by Guzmán Barquín on Unsplash

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Business EnglishIdioms