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noun

foothold

FUUT-hohld
noun
1
A secure place to put one's foot when climbing.
"He searched the rock face for a solid foothold."
2
A secure position from which further progress can be made (figurative).
"The company finally gained a foothold in the Asian market."

How to Use Foothold

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA firm place to stand, literally when climbing or figuratively when starting to succeed somewhere new.

Common pairings
gain a foothold secure foothold lose one's foothold

Word Forms

footholds plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He searched the rock face for a solid _____.

Etymology

From foot + hold.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial