full nelson

American  

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.

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full nelson British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of full nelson

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

But if Horford and the Celtics can keep the Bucks’ lightning bolt in a full nelson, then Milwaukee’s once-promising season will be in significant peril.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2019

The Angel only growled, waded in, got a headlock, a full nelson, a head scissors, an armlock, and then the hold the fans were waiting for �his touted bear hug.

From Time Magazine Archive