1 B2 neutral
To move slowly and carefully into a tight physical space.
"She edged in between the two parked cars very slowly to avoid scratching them."
inseparable
edge in
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To move gradually and carefully into a position, space, or conversation.
In plain English
To slowly and carefully move yourself or your words into a small or tight space.
What does "edge in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To introduce a remark or contribution gradually into a conversation, often when it is hard to find an opportunity.
"The meeting was so lively that it was difficult to edge a word in."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move in along the edge — sideways or cautiously into a narrow space.
Actually means
To slowly and carefully move yourself or your words into a small or tight space.
Usage tip
Can be used literally (edging a car into a tight parking space) or figuratively (trying to edge a comment into a conversation). The movement is always cautious and incremental. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "edge in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
comment word car space conversation gap
How to conjugate "edge in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
edge in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
edges in
he/she/it
Past simple
edged in
yesterday
Past participle
edged in
have + pp
-ing form
edging in
continuous
Hear "edge in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "edge in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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