half nelson

American  

noun

Wrestling.

1. a hold in which a wrestler, from behind the opponent, passes one arm under the corresponding arm of the opponent and locks the hand on the back of the opponent's neck.

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half-nelson British  

noun

1. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler places an arm under one of his opponent's arms from behind and exerts pressure with his palm on the back of his opponent's neck Compare full nelson

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Etymology

Origin of half nelson

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

In the four years since Dino Gentili clamped a half nelson on Italy's China trade, he has pushed it from almost zero to $1,000,000-plus a month.

From Time Magazine Archive

The professor of philosophy couldn't break the half nelson, though he struggled on.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Engineers' heroes were Pilgrim McRaven, an ex-G.I. who won the 121-lb. class, and Ed Erikson, who pinned his man in the 165-lb. finals with a half nelson and a body press.

From Time Magazine Archive

The relationship between the two antic entertainers is like a half nelson after a series of handshakes.

From Time Magazine Archive

I had a pretty good half nelson on him.

From "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger