foothold

5 definitions • 6 examples

a place such as a hole in a rock where you can put your foot safely when climbing

a strong first position from which further progress can be made:

gain a foothold We are still trying to gain a foothold in the Japanese market.

get a foothold Having survived the attack, the team had hopes of getting a foothold in the game.

a place where you can safely put your feet, esp. when climbing:

She searched desperately for a foothold in the steep rock.

a situation in which someone has obtained the power or influence needed to get what is wanted:

In buying their business, the company gains a major foothold in a market it considers critical to the future of the industry.

a strong first position in a market, industry, etc. from which further progress can be made:

give sth a foothold (in sth) The merger gives the company a stronger presence in Asia and a foothold in the US.

establish/gain/get a foothold (in sth) Our plan is to gain a foothold in the fastest-growing aerospace industry in the world.