Shoehorn

Definitions

1. A smooth tool that assists in putting the foot into a shoe, by sliding the heel in after the toe is in place.
2. Anything by which a transaction is facilitated; a medium.
   derogatory
3. Anything which draws on or allures; an inducement.
   obsolete

Equivalents

Examples

“I was about sixty feet ahead of this film in many spots, which speaks rather poorly for it. And I resented the heartthrobs which were planted in my bosom with a shoehorn via the "little child" process⟳.”

“Now you cannot but observe⟳, that most of our fine young Ladies readily fall⟳ in with the Direction of the Graver sort⟳, to retain⟳ in their Service, by some small Encouragement, as great a Number⟳ as they can of supernumerary and insignificant Fellows, which they use⟳ like⟳ Whiflers, and commonly call⟳ Shoeing-Horns. These are never designed to know⟳ the length of the Foot, but only when a good Offer⟳ comes to whet and spur him up to the Point⟳. Nay 'tis the Opinion of that grave Lady, Madam Matchwell, that it's absolutely convenient for every prudent Family to have⟳ several of these Implements about the House, to clap on as occasion serves, and that every Spark ought to produce⟳ a Certificate of his being a Shoeing-Horn, before he be admitted as a Shoe. A certain Lady, whom I could name⟳, if it was necessary, has at present⟳ more Shoeing-Horns of all Sizes, Countries, and Colours, in her Service, than ever she had new Shoes in her Life.”

CEFR level