getting a word in edgewise
Speaking amid dominators
Getting a word in edgewise means managing to speak when someone else dominates the conversation.
The phrase suggests squeezing words into narrow gaps, as if turning them sideways to fit: She talked so much I couldn't get a word in edgewise.
Almost always appears in negative constructions—failing to get a word in, or barely managing to.
- overtalkingSpeaking too long
- talked overConversed about at length
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- turn-takingAlternating speaker roles
- floor timeTherapeutic play at child's level
wait your turn · interruption · dominance · active listening · dialogue · group dynamics · tactfulness · power imbalance · shut out · monologue · conflict resolution · cutting in · butting in · exclusion · miscommunication · awkwardness · confidence · speaking up
getting a word in edgewisesuffering in silence
getting a word in edgewisefilibustering
Prolonged speech blocking legislation
talking someone's ear off · pontificating · going on and on · holding forth · monologuing