foothold in WordNet English dictionary

1. 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"
   beachhead  foothold 
   
2. 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"
   bridgehead  foothold 
   
3. a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing
   foothold  footing