foothold

英['fʊthəʊld] 美['fʊt'hold]

1. an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies;

"an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines"

"the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar"

2. a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

3. an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments;

"the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors"

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