foothold

1 an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies; "an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines"; "the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar" [syn: bridgehead]

2 a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing [syn: footing]

3 an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments; "the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors"; "they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market" [syn: beachhead]

English

Etymology

foot + hold

Noun

1. A solid grip with the feet
2. (military) airhead, beachhead, bridgehead, lodgement

advantage, bear hug, bite, clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, cling, clinging, clutch, death grip, embrace, firm hold, footing, footplate, footrail, footrest, grapple, grasp, grip, gripe, hold, hug, iron grip, locus standi, nip, perch, purchase, seizure, stance, stand, standing, standing place, tight grip, toehold, traction