| Library / English Dictionary |
FOOTHOLD
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
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)
Sense 2
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)
Sense 3
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)
