SHOEHORN

shoehorn

(noun) a device used for easing the foot into a shoe

shoehorn

(verb) fit for a specific purpose even when not well suited

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

shoehorn (plural shoehorns)

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.

(derogatory) Anything by which a transaction is facilitated; a medium.

(obsolete) Anything which draws on or allures; an inducement.

Synonyms

• shoeing-horn

• slipper spoon

Verb

shoehorn (third-person singular simple present shoehorns, present participle shoehorning, simple past and past participle shoehorned)

(literally) To use a shoehorn.

(transitive, figuratively) 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.

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

Source: Wiktionary

---

Shoe"horn`, Shoe"ing-horn`, n.

1. A curved piece of polished horn, wood, or metal used to facilitate the entrance of the foot into a shoe.

2. Figuratively: (a) Anything by which a transaction is facilitated; a medium; -- by way of contempt. Spectator. (b) Anything which draws on or allures; an inducement. [Low] Beau & Fl.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---

Do you know this game?

Wordscapes is a popular word game consistently in the top charts of both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The Android version has more than 10 million installs. This guide will help you get more coins in less than two minutes of playing the game. Continue reading Wordscapes: Get More Coins