full nelson

noun

1. a hold in which a wrestler, from behind the opponent, passes each arm under the corresponding arm of the opponent and locks the arms at the fingers or wrists on the back of the opponent's neck.

full nelson

noun

1. a wrestling hold, illegal in amateur wrestling, in which a wrestler places both arms under his opponent's arms from behind and exerts pressure with both palms on the back of the neck Compare half-nelson

Word History and Origins

Origin of full nelson¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Prosecutors said Young choked her and placed her in a “full nelson” wrestling hold, which involves applying pressure to the head and neck.

From Los Angeles Times

“And don’t you go forgetting the rules. No trying to escape from the house. And there’s no need to break up the furniture either. Don’t make me demonstrate my full nelson.”

From Literature

He yoked me up in some kind of full nelson armlock and practically dragged me to a corner until I calmed down enough for him to let me go.

From Literature

The video shows Mellor walking behind the would-be robber, putting him in a sort of full nelson wrestling hold and swinging him away from the clerk and toward the front door.

From Los Angeles Times

That was just the start of Clinton’s move towards a full nelson.

From The Guardian