foothold

UK: /ˈfʊthəʊld/ US: /ˈfʊtˌhoʊld/ ,(fŏŏt′hōld′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

foot•hold /ˈfʊtˌhoʊld/   n. [countable]

1. a place or support for the feet;
   a place where a person may stand or walk securely.
2. a secure position, esp. a firm basis for further progress or development.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

foot•hold  (fŏŏt′hōld′), n. 

1. a place or support for the feet;
   a place where a person may stand or walk securely.
2. a secure position, esp. a firm basis for further progress or development:
   They gained a foothold in the New York market before beginning their national campaign.

• foot + hold¹ 1615–25

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

foothold / ˈfʊtˌhəʊld/ noun

1. a ledge, hollow, or other place affording a secure grip for the foot, as during climbing
2. a secure position from which further progress may be made