beach-head

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Military position: A "beach-head" is a temporary defensive position established on a beach by invading forces, serving as a base for further inland operations. It is a secured area on a hostile shore.
   • Figurative use: By extension, a "beach-head" can refer to any initial foothold or starting point for progress or expansion in a new field or endeavor.

Usage Examples

• Military context:
  • The soldiers secured a beach-head on the coast before advancing inland. (A defensive position on a beach used as a base for further attacks.)
• Figurative context:
  • The company established a beach-head in the Asian market with a small office in Singapore. (An initial foothold for expansion.)

Advanced Usage

• "to establish a beach-head": to create a secure initial position.
  • The research team established a beach-head in the remote jungle for their study. (They set up a base camp to begin work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Beachhead (n): an alternative spelling of "beach-head", often used without a hyphen in modern writing.
  • The troops held the beachhead under heavy fire. (They maintained the defensive position.)

Synonyms

• Foothold: a secure position from which further progress can be made.
• Base: a starting point or center of operations.
• Bridgehead: a position secured on the enemy side of a river or other obstacle, similar to a beach-head but not necessarily on a beach.

Related Idioms

• "Get a foothold": to gain a secure position from which to advance.
  • The startup got a foothold in the industry by offering innovative products. (They established an initial presence.)