toehold

or toe-hold

[ toh-hohld ]

noun

1. a small ledge or niche just large enough to support the toes, as in climbing.
2. any slight or initial support, influence, advantage, progress, or the like:

   His knowledge of Latin gave him a toehold for learning French.

3. a batten nailed to a sloping roof as a support for workers.
4. Wrestling. a hold in which an opponent's foot is twisted.

toehold

/ ˈtəʊˌhəʊld /

noun

1. a small foothold to facilitate climbing
2. any means of gaining access, support, etc

   the socialist party gained a toehold in the local elections

3. a wrestling hold in which the opponent's toe is held and his leg twisted against the joints

Word History and Origins

Origin of toehold¹

First recorded in 1875–80; toe + hold ¹

Example Sentences

To keep progressing, one has to stay ahead of the thousands of others scrambling to get a toehold in the sport.

From Los Angeles Times

And because the “delicious moments” box is inexpensive — restaurateurs said it costs them between $10 and $15 for a bundle of 50 — it has maintained a strong toehold at local eateries.

From Los Angeles Times

After a bit of shifting, he was able to pull his arms out of the snow, then free his lower body through a combination of pushing with his arms and creating toeholds with his feet.

From Literature

After the Age of Aquarius had gained a toehold in the 1960s, however, they provided a unique “cave cabin” experience for hippies and seekers.

From Los Angeles Times

But then the car’s transmission went kaput and she had to take out a costly loan to fix it, and keep her toehold in the middle class.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• footing
• niche
• perch