edgewise

[ej-wahyz] /ˈɛdʒˌwaɪz/

adverb

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

Idioms

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.

Also, edgeways

[ej-weyz] /ˈɛdʒˌweɪz/ (Show IPA).

Origin

1560-70; edge + -wise

British Dictionary definitions for edgeways

edgeways

/ˈɛdʒˌweɪz/

adverb

with the edge forwards or uppermost: they carried the piano in edgeways

on, by, with, or towards the edge: he held it edgeways

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

Word Origin and History for edgeways

adv.

also edge-ways, 1560s, from edge (n.) + way. First attested form of the word is edgewaie; the adverbial genitive -s appears by 1640s. Edgewise (1715) appears to be a variant, based on otherwise, etc. See edge (v.).

As if it were possible for any of us to slide in a word edgewise! [Mary Mitford, "Our Village," 1824].

To edge in a word in this sense is from 1680s.

edgewise

see edgeways.

Idioms and Phrases with edgeways

edgewise

see: get a word in edgewise