A cord receiving and retaining groove in the back surface or web of a telephone set base has one or more cord retaining formations spaced along the groove. Two spaced parallel walls extend inward from the groove, away from the back surface. A cantilever member is formed in each wall, the cantilever member integral with the wall at its fixed end and extending to a free end in the groove. The cantilever members are in opposition. A projection is formed on the free end of each cantilever member, the projections extending towards each other. A cord is pushed into the groove and snaps past the projections on the free ends of the cantilever members. The cantilever members are given sufficient lever length for ready deflection by the walls extending from the groove. The walls permit flexing of the cantilever members over a longer length than if the cantilever members were formed only in the walls of the groove.