foothold has definitions from the field of military
1
[ noun ] (military) an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies

Examples

"an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines" "the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar"

Related terms

combat_zone beachhead airhead

2
[ noun ] an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments

Synonyms

beachhead

Examples

"the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors" "they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market"

Related terms

accomplishment

3
[ noun ] a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

Synonyms

footing

Related terms

support toehold

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