foothold

/ˈfʊthoʊld/

noun 3

Collocations

(noun.) place to put your foot when climbing

ADJ

firm, secure

VERB + FOOTHOLD

have

find, get, scrabble for

The climber struggled to get a foothold on the slippery rock face.

give sb

That internship gave her the foothold she needed to start her career in journalism.

(noun.) strong position for making further progress

ADJ

firm, secure | permanent | big | small

VERB + FOOTHOLD

have

establish, gain, get, obtain, secure

The new startup managed to establish a foothold in the competitive tech industry within just two years.

maintain | lose | regain

give (sb/sth), provide (sb with)

This introductory course gave me a foothold in learning to code.

PREP

~ in

The new technology company quickly established a strong foothold in the Asian market.

Definitions

noun

A solid grip with the feet.

A secure position from which it is difficult to be dislodged.

I’ve always looked for a secure foothold A secret formula that can free me from myself

Airhead, beachhead, bridgehead, lodgement.

Based on status report 16-C, it seems we're no closer to gaining a foothold in any sector. Without decent recon and greater intel on this enemy, I'm starting to think our efforts are futile. The risks involved and continued loss of resources and lives makes it hard to justify.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

noun — an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further dev

beachhead

noun — a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbi

footing

noun — an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is h

bridgehead

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

I’ve always looked for a secure foothold A secret formula that can free me from myself

Wiktionary

I have made a foothold.

Tatoeba · #259237

Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops.

Tatoeba · #5287252

The festivities were held as usual this year, extending through most of February, precisely when the coronavirus was taking a foothold in America.

Tatoeba · #8651664

Britain is apparently working to get a foothold in Algeria.

Tatoeba · #9787351

Usage Notes

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