Shoehorn

/ˈʃuːhɔrn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A curved implement used to help put on a shoe.

He used a shoehorn to slide his foot easily into the tight new shoes.

An object or device that helps facilitate the insertion of one thing into another, often used metaphorically.

The software acts as a shoehorn, making it easier to integrate the old system with the new one.

verb

To force something into a confined space or to fit something into a situation that it does not naturally belong to.

They had to shoehorn a larger sofa into the small living room.

To make a difficult situation more manageable by adjusting or reorganizing.

We had to shoehorn the meeting into an already tight schedule.

The word 'shoehorn' dates back to the early 19th century, combining 'shoe' and 'horn' referring to its horn-like shape and function.

shoehorn something in:

To forcibly fit something into a situation or context where it does not easily belong.

To force a situation or object into a place or context.

He tried to shoehorn his entire vacation plans into a single weekend.

To cram something into a limited space.

I had to shoehorn all my clothes into the suitcase.