definition of
foothold

[1] #1 foothold n. [bridgehead] 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". wn

[2] #2 foothold n. [footing] a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing. wn

[3] #3 foothold n. [beachhead] 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". wn