Definition

Noun: 1. A small foothold used in climbing: A slight or precarious support for the foot, especially on a steep or slippery surface. 2. A wrestling hold: A hold in which the toe is gripped and the leg is twisted against the joints. 3. A first slight or initial position from which further progress is possible: An initial, often small or insecure, advantage, opportunity, or position that allows entry into a place, activity, or market.

Usage Examples

• The climber searched the rock face for a toehold.
• In the match, he applied a painful toehold to his opponent.
• The company struggled to gain a toehold in the competitive market.
• The internship gave her a toehold in the film industry.

Advanced Usage

• "To gain/get/establish a toehold": To secure an initial position or opportunity.
  • The new policy aims to help small businesses gain a toehold.
• "To have a toehold": To possess an initial, often tenuous, position.
  • The species has a toehold on the island but is not yet widespread.

Variants and Related Words

• Foothold (noun): A secure position or a firm support for the feet. (Often used interchangeably with "toehold" for definitions 1 and 3, but a foothold generally implies greater security or a stronger position.)
• Beachhead (noun): A strong initial position from which to advance. (A military metaphor, stronger than a toehold.)

Synonyms

• (For climbing): Footing, ledge, purchase.
• (For initial position): Entry, opportunity, opening, foothold, bridgehead.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A toehold in the door": A variation of "a foot in the door," meaning an initial opportunity that could lead to further success.
  • The part-time job was just a toehold in the door of the finance sector.

Noun

1. a wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints
2. a small foothold used in climbing
3. a relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made
   • American diplomacy provided a toehold on which to proceed toward peace talks
   • his father gave him a toehold in the oil business