full nelson

USAGE SUMMARY

"full nelson" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to a wrestling move where one person holds their opponent's arms and neck from behind, restraining their movement. It can also be used figuratively to describe a strong and controlling hold on someone. Example: "After a fierce struggle, the wrestler managed to put his opponent in a full nelson, effectively ending the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They're starting a store called the Full Nelson, named after their infant son.

The New York Times - Books

The opposing catcher had me face-down in a full nelson near the pitching rubber.

The New York Times

Mom offered me her head and I gave her a gentle full Nelson, a classic wrestling move also used in roller derby matches.

The New York Times

The governor who chased people off the beach before Superstorm Sandy and whose aides put a full nelson on the George Washington Bridge said the choice should be left to the parents.

The Washington Post

Sure, he holds, he elbows, he grabs, he puts a full nelson on an opponent after he has scrambled for a loose ball, to keep the other player from hurrying downcourt on a fast break.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet when it came to the real crunch - the FA Cup final - they were locked in a full nelson by Roy Keane and deservedly beaten by Eric Cantona's fairytale late winner.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Perfect mandible claws, full nelsons and body slams will allow offending teams to move 10 yards downfield.

The New York Times

To get in, though, they don't flex muscle — though they do have muscles, or at least the Hollywood upper-body gym contours that suggest casting calls more than careers giving uppercuts and full nelsons.

The New York Times - Arts

Damien Sandow, a WWE wrestler who plays a pseudo-­intellectual heel in a velour robe, named his signature move, a full-nelson slam, "You're Welcome"; Kobe Bryant, in a Nike commercial in which he played a self-help Svengali to big shots like Kanye West and Serena Williams, turned the words into a catchphrase.

The New York Times - Magazine

A couple of headlocks and full-nelsons later, with Ismet winning the massage on points, my hamam seemed over.

Huffington Post

Did you get it in a head lock, full-nelson, or some other elaborate hold?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider whether a more precise or less colloquial term would be more appropriate than "full nelson".

Common error

Avoid using "full nelson" in contexts where the sense of physical restraint is not relevant or easily understood. Overuse can diminish impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "full nelson" is as a noun phrase. It typically refers to a specific wrestling hold but can also function as a descriptor within a larger sentence structure. Ludwig examples show it modifying other nouns, like "full nelson slam."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full nelson" primarily denotes a wrestling hold, but its figurative use extends to describing situations of strong control or restraint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its application across various sources like news articles and Wikipedia entries. While commonly used, particularly in news and sports reporting, understanding its origins and appropriate contexts is crucial. To avoid errors, ensure the figurative use clearly implies control, and for professional or academic writing, consider alternative terms that offer more precision. With a relatively high source quality score, it is a useful phrase to master.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

double nelson hold

Specifies a more forceful version of the wrestling hold.

wrestling hold

Generalizes to any type of restraining technique in wrestling.

submission hold

Highlights the aspect of forcing submission in combat sports.

controlling grip

Focuses on the element of maintaining control over someone.

restraining maneuver

Emphasizes the action of limiting someone's movement.

under someone's thumb

Figuratively represents being completely controlled by another.

in a tight grip

Describes a situation where someone is held firmly.

locked in place

Highlights the immobility resulting from being held.

pinned down

Focuses on the inability to move due to being physically restrained.

dominated position

Indicates a state of being controlled or overpowered.

FAQs

How is "full nelson" used in wrestling?

In wrestling, a "full nelson" is a hold where you put both arms under the opponent's armpits and apply pressure to the back of the neck or head.

Can "full nelson" be used outside of sports?

Yes, it's often used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is under significant control or pressure, similar to being "under someone's thumb".

Is "full nelson" an illegal move in some wrestling styles?

Yes, certain variations of the hold or its application can be illegal in amateur wrestling due to the risk of injury.

What's another way to describe being in a "full nelson" situation?

You could say someone is "locked in place", in a "dominated position", or "pinned down" depending on the specific context.