get in a word—(also: get a word in) succeed in saying smth. when other people are talking ignoring you:
- We two plunged into a conversation into which Roger could not get in a word: in fact we forgot all about him.
Cf.: get in a word edgewise—used as an emphatic variant of the former:
- My men at once sat down and held a council of war, in which I could not get in a word edgewise.
put in a word—(also: put a word in)
1. contribute an utterance to a conversation:
- I want to put in a word about that, because they are doing extremely important work….
2. speak in support of smb.; recommend a person:
- I’d like to put in a word for someone who has proved to be a tireless proponent of uncompromising, dazzling music.