Definition

1. Noun:
   • A wrestling hold: A specific grappling technique where the person applying the hold places both arms under the opponent's arms from behind and clasps their hands behind the opponent's neck, then exerts upward pressure on the neck and downward pressure on the back.

Usage

• The term "full nelson" is used exclusively to describe this specific wrestling or grappling maneuver. It is considered a powerful and potentially dangerous controlling hold.
• Important Note: The "full nelson" is illegal in most forms of amateur wrestling (such as collegiate and scholastic wrestling) due to the risk of injury to the neck and spine.

Examples

• The wrestler secured a full nelson and forced his opponent to the mat.
• The referee immediately stopped the match when he saw the illegal full nelson being applied.
• Applying a full nelson requires significant strength and control.

Advanced Usage

• "To apply a full nelson": The standard phrase for using this hold.
• "To be caught in a full nelson": Describes the state of the opponent who is being controlled by the hold.
• The hold's name is often used metaphorically outside of wrestling to describe a situation of complete and inescapable control, though this is an extended, figurative use.
  • The new regulations put a full nelson on the company's ability to innovate.

Variants and Related Words

• Half nelson (noun): A related but legal wrestling hold where only one arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind, with the hand placed on the back of the opponent's neck.
• Nelson hold (noun): The general category of wrestling holds from behind where pressure is applied to the neck. The "full nelson" and "half nelson" are the primary types.

Synonyms

• Wrestling hold: A general term for any controlling grip in wrestling.
• Grappling hold: A more general term used in wrestling, judo, or martial arts.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• While not a phrasal verb, the phrase "to have someone in a full nelson" is used literally in wrestling and can be used figuratively to mean having someone under total control or in a helpless position.
  • Figurative: After the merger, the larger corporation had the smaller one in a full nelson.

Noun

1. a wrestling hold in which the holder puts both arms under the opponent's arms and exerts pressure on the back of the neck (illegal in amateur wrestling)