Background for shoehorn

shoehorn

/ˈʃuːˌhɔː(ɹ)n/ /ˈʃuːˌhɔɹn/

Illustration shoehorn - Image 1

noun

A smooth tool that assists in putting the foot into a shoe, by sliding the heel in after the toe is in place. This reduces discomfort and damage to the back of the shoe. By slipping it into the back of the shoe behind the heel, the user prevents the heel from squashing down the back of the shoe and causing difficulty; instead the heel slides down the smooth shoehorn, which then comes out easily once the foot is in place.

Examples :

"He used the shoehorn to easily slip his foot into his tight leather boot. "

utensil wear device item

Illustration shoehorn - Image 1

noun

Anything by which a transaction is facilitated; a medium.

Examples :

"The teacher used a small quiz as a shoehorn to get the students interested in the new topic. "

business economy

Illustration shoehorn - Image 1

noun

Anything which draws on or allures; an inducement.

Examples :

"The promise of free pizza was a strong shoehorn to get students to attend the club meeting. "

utility item thing

Illustration shoehorn - Image 1

verb

To use a shoehorn.

Examples :

"I had to shoehorn my foot into the tight new boot. "

wear utensil item

Illustration shoehorn - Image 1

Illustration shoehorn - Image 2

verb

To force (something) into (a tight space); to squeeze (something) into (a schedule, etc); to exert great effort to insert or include (something); to include (something) despite potent reasons not to.

Examples :

"His staff want to shoehorn an extra stop into his already packed campaigning schedule."

action business organization

Illustration shoehorn - Image 1

verb

To force some current event into alignment with a some (usually unconnected) agenda, especially when it is fallacious.

Examples :

"The politician tried to shoehorn the recent local flood into his campaign against national environmental regulations, even though the flood was clearly caused by a burst dam. "

politics media communication attitude language