Meaning & Definition of Foothold in English

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"

2. A place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

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"