shoehorn Definition
a tool with a curved end, used to help guide the heel of a foot into a shoe without crushing the back of the shoe.
Using shoehorn: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shoehorn" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He used a shoehorn to put on his new shoes.
Example
The shoehorn made it easier for her to slip her feet into the boots.
shoehorn Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for shoehorn
- footing aid
- shoe lifter
Phrases with shoehorn
Example
I'll try to shoehorn in a meeting between my appointments today.
to force someone into a situation or position that they are not suited for or do not want
Example
He was shoehorned into the job by his father, even though he had no interest in it.
a method of problem-solving that tries to fit a solution into an existing framework, rather than creating a new one
Example
The company's shoehorn approach to innovation has led to stagnation and a lack of creativity.
Summary: shoehorn in Brief
'Shoehorn' [ˈʃuːhɔːn] is a noun that refers to a tool with a curved end used to guide the heel of a foot into a shoe without crushing the back of the shoe. It can also be used as a verb in phrases like 'shoehorn something in,' meaning to fit something into a tight space or schedule, and 'shoehorn somebody into something,' meaning to force someone into a situation or position that they are not suited for or do not want.