foothold

[ foot-hohld ]

noun

1. a place or support for the feet; foot; a place where a person may stand or walk securely.
2. a secure position, especially a firm basis for further progress or development:

   They gained a foothold in the New York market before beginning their national campaign.

foothold

/ ˈfʊtˌhəʊld /

noun

1. a ledge, hollow, or other place affording a secure grip for the foot, as during climbing
2. a secure position from which further progress may be made

   a foothold for a successful career

Word History and Origins

Origin of foothold¹

First recorded in 1615–25; foot + hold ¹

Example Sentences

Held in July 2020, the primary was aimed at helping the opposition gain a large enough foothold to block the pro-Beijing government’s bills.

From BBC

We have a foothold in culture that we’ve never had before.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Quinn, once drug cartels and other criminal operators gain a foothold into how a food business operates, they spot other opportunities.

From BBC

But with renewable energy gaining a strong foothold in the US and popular support for wind and solar, Trump's efforts to ramp up oil and gas instead may be less effective.

From BBC

He said an estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers were in the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian troops have a foothold.

From BBC

Related Words

• footing
• niche
• perch
• toehold