Toehold (Noun)

Meaning ¹

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".

Classification

Nouns denoting natural processes.

Examples

• The small startup company provided a toehold for the entrepreneur to expand her business into new markets.
• Her first job at the publishing house gave her a toehold in the competitive world of book editing.
• The tiny beachhead on the enemy's shore was a fragile toehold for the invading forces to launch their attack.
• The local politician's seat on the city council was a toehold for her future ambitions in state politics.
• The family's small farm was a toehold for their descendants to build a agricultural empire in the region.

Hypernyms

• Position

Meaning ²

A wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints.

Classification

Nouns denoting acts or actions.

Meaning ³

A small foothold used in climbing.

Classification

Nouns denoting man-made objects.

Hypernyms

• Footing