Is it word in edgeways or edgewise?

A: That’s right. Our Macquarie Dictionary confirms this by giving the entry to “edgeways” but acknowledging the “edgewise” variant exists. Conversely, America’s Merriam-Webster lists “edgeways” as a “chiefly British” meaning for “sideways” – only crediting “edgewise” with the idiom.

Can I get a word in edgewise?

Definition of ‘not get a word in edgewise’ If you say that you cannot get a word in edgewise, you are complaining that you do not have the opportunity to speak because someone else is talking so much. Ernest dominated the conversation – Zhou could hardly get a word in edgewise.

Why do Americans say word in edgewise?

Etymology. The use of the word edgewise or edgeways (“with the edge facing in the direction of movement”) is metaphorical, suggesting that the gap or opportunity for a person to speak is very slim.

How do you use edgewise in a sentence?

Edgewise sentence example Dean couldn’t get a word in edgewise . Well, Mrs. Barnett, here’s your chance to talk to your father-in-law – if you can fit a word in edgewise . Gloxinias, begonias, &c., grow readily from fragments of the leaves cut clean through the thick veins and ribs, and planted edgewise like cuttings.

What does word in edgeways mean?

get a word in edgeways in British English (usually used with a negative) to succeed in interrupting a conversation in which someone else is talking incessantly.

Can I get a word meaning?

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishget a word in (edgeways)get a word in (edgeways)to get a chance to say something Once George starts talking it’s difficult to get a word in edgeways.

Where did the phrase can’t get a word in edgewise come from?

‘A word in edgeways’, or as it is sometimes written ‘a word in edgewise’, is a 19th century expression that was coined in the UK. ‘Edgeways/edgewise’ just means ‘proceeding edge first’. The allusion in the phrase is to edging sideways through a crowd, seeking small gaps in which to proceed through the throng.

What does get the ax mean?

to be fired or expelled
Another common expression is “to get the axe.” Though axes are useful tools, getting the axe means to be fired or expelled! If a project or service gets the axe, that means that it’s discontinued.

When I talk it isn’t always easy for others to get a word in edgewise?

not get a word in edgewise If you cannot get a word in edgeways in a conversation, you find it difficult to say anything because someone else is talking so much. For heaven’s sake, Sue, will you let me get a word in edgeways!

What is edgewise orthodontics?

The contemporary edgewise appliance, known commonly as ‘braces”, is the mainstay of orthodontics. These appliances are bonded securely to tooth enamel and when used in concert with the proper archwire, provide highly precise, three-dimensional control of both crown and root position.

What does get a word in mean?

What is an edgewise?

Join a conversation in which another is speaking continually and leaving little opportunity for others. ‘A word in edgeways’, or as it is sometimes written ‘a word in edgewise’, is a 19th century expression that was coined in the UK. ‘Edgeways/edgewise’ just means ‘proceeding edge first’.

What does edgeways mean?

Join a conversation in which another is speaking continually and leaving little opportunity for others. ‘A word in edgeways’, or as it is sometimes written ‘a word in edgewise’, is a 19th century expression that was coined in the UK. The phrase ‘edging forward’ exactly describes this inch-by-inch progress.

What’s the origin of the phrase’get a word in edgeways’?

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Get a word in edgeways’? ‘A word in edgeways’, or as it is sometimes written ‘a word in edgewise’, is a 19th century expression that was coined in the UK. ‘Edgeways/edgewise’ just means ‘proceeding edge first’.

What is the best way to use edgeways?

Also, get a word in edgeways. Insert oneself into a conversation or express one’s opinion despite competition from other speakers. For example, So many people had questions for the lecturer that it was hard to get a word in edgewise, or Nancy loves to talk, and I couldn’t get a word in edgeways.