in a way that is positioned with the edge forward or in the direction of the edge, often used in the phrase 'get a word in edgewise' meaning to contribute to a conversation when someone else is talking a lot.
From Middle English 'edge' (from Old English 'ecg' meaning border or cutting side) combined with '-wise' (a suffix meaning 'in the manner of' or 'in the direction of'), dating back to around the 14th century.
The phrase 'can't get a word in edgewise' became popular because when someone turns sideways (edge-first), they take up less space—so metaphorically, an unstoppable talker leaves no room for anyone else to slip a word in!
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