Shoehorn
noun
A tool used to make it easier to put on a shoe.
He used a shoehorn to put his boots on
Often appears as...
- use a shoehorn
- pick up the shoehorn
verb
To force into a small or insufficient space; squeeze.
She shoehorned her belongings into the tiny closet
Often appears as...
- shoehorn into
- shoehorn oneself
verb
To force or urge to an undesired action.
He felt shoehorned into taking the job
Often appears as...
- shoehorn into
- feel shoehorned
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A tool used to make it easier to put on a shoe.
He used a shoehorn to put his boots on
Often appears as...
- use a shoehorn
- pick up the shoehorn
verb
To force into a small or insufficient space; squeeze.
She shoehorned her belongings into the tiny closet
Often appears as...
- shoehorn into
- shoehorn oneself
verb
To force or urge to an undesired action.
He felt shoehorned into taking the job
Often appears as...
- shoehorn into
- feel shoehorned
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Object
Emphasizes that shoehorn refers to a tangible item used with shoes.
Could you pass me the shoehorn next to the shoe rack?
Pro Tip 2/3Usefulness Emphasized
Highlights how the shoehorn is designed to ease the foot into a shoe comfortably.
This shoehorn is great; my heels slide in without bending.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Shoe Damage
Focuses on the shoehorn's role in preventing damage to the back of the shoe.
Using a shoehorn will keep the backs of your shoes from breaking down.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Object
Emphasizes that shoehorn refers to a tangible item used with shoes.
Could you pass me the shoehorn next to the shoe rack?
Pro Tip 2/3Usefulness Emphasized
Highlights how the shoehorn is designed to ease the foot into a shoe comfortably.
This shoehorn is great; my heels slide in without bending.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Shoe Damage
Focuses on the shoehorn's role in preventing damage to the back of the shoe.
Using a shoehorn will keep the backs of your shoes from breaking down.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Object
Emphasizes that shoehorn refers to a tangible item used with shoes.
Could you pass me the shoehorn next to the shoe rack?
Pro Tip 2/3Usefulness Emphasized
Highlights how the shoehorn is designed to ease the foot into a shoe comfortably.
This shoehorn is great; my heels slide in without bending.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Shoe Damage
Focuses on the shoehorn's role in preventing damage to the back of the shoe.
Using a shoehorn will keep the backs of your shoes from breaking down.
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Quote examples
Gillian Flynn
American Author
One of my rules about writing exercises is you never are allowed to put them in your book because it's just too tempting. You try to shoehorn things that don't belong.
Quote examples
Muhammad Ali
American Boxer
I'll beat him so bad he'll need a shoehorn to put his hat on.
Quote examples
Gillian Flynn
American Author
One of my rules about writing exercises is you never are allowed to put them in your book because it's just too tempting. You try to shoehorn things that don't belong.
Quote examples
Muhammad Ali
American Boxer
I'll beat him so bad he'll need a shoehorn to put his hat on.
Example 1 of 2
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