FOOTHOLD

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

Meaning:

An initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments

Example:

they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market

Synonyms:

beachhead; foothold

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("foothold" is a kind of...):

accomplishment; achievement (the action of accomplishing something)

Meaning:

A place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

Synonyms:

foothold; footing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("foothold" is a kind of...):

support (any device that bears the weight of another thing)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "foothold"):

toehold (a small foothold used in climbing)

Meaning:

An area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies

Example:

the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar

Synonyms:

bridgehead; foothold

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Hypernyms ("foothold" is a kind of...):

combat area; combat zone (a military area where combat forces operate)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "foothold"):

airhead (a bridgehead seized by airborne troops)

beachhead (a bridgehead on the enemy's shoreline seized by an amphibious operation)