What does edgeways mean?
Edgeways is chiefly a British adverb meaning with one of the narrow edges foremost rather than with a broad face: something placed or moved edgeways rests or travels on its edge. The expression “on edgeways” is the usual form. In informal British speech, “get edgeways” means to become tense, irritated, or angry, often because of a delay or inconvenience. This idiomatic use is less formal and less common outside Britain. The word illustrates how English often builds precise spatial meanings from familiar nouns and directional suffixes: edge supplies the narrow boundary, while -ways indicates orientation or direction. In its literal sense, edgeways is useful in instructions or descriptions involving books, tiles, doors, tools, and other thin objects. Its figurative sense captures a familiar feeling of mounting impatience, but is best reserved for informal conversation rather than formal writing.
adverbWith a narrow edge foremost or toward someone, especially when lying or moving on an edge. In informal British usage, the expression “get edgeways” means to become tense, irritated, or angry.
- With a narrow edge foremost, toward someone, or instead of a broad face.
- In the informal expression “get edgeways,” becoming tense, irritated, or angry.
"She balanced the narrow plank edgeways on the support."
"The book was stacked edgeways on the shelf."
"Don't let the delay get you edgeways."
Sometimes the narrowest way forward is literally the right way round.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does edgeways come from?
Edgeways is an English compound formed from edge and the directional suffix -ways, which is built on way and is productive in English adverbs. The compound developed with a literal spatial meaning: having an edge facing a person or another object, commonly expressed in the phrase “on edgeways.” Edge itself comes from Old English ecg, while edgewise is a closely related English compound; the word's origins are Germanic rather than Latin.
How edgeways is actually used
The literal spatial sense is neutral but relatively uncommon in modern English. The expression “get edgeways” is informal, chiefly British, and conveys impatience or irritation more strongly than a mild feeling of unease.
Easily confused with edgeways
Edgeways and edgewise can both describe a position on an edge, but edgewise is the more common form in American English, whereas edgeways is especially associated with British English.