foothold
|foot/hold|
🇺🇸
/ˈfʊtˌhoʊld/
🇬🇧
/ˈfʊthəʊld/
secure position
Etymology
'foothold' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'fōt' meaning 'foot' and 'heald' meaning 'hold'.
'fōtheald' transformed into the Middle English word 'foothold', and eventually became the modern English word 'foothold'.
Initially, it meant 'a place to put one's foot', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a secure position for progress'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a secure position from which further progress can be made.
The company established a foothold in the Asian market.
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Noun 2
a place where a person's foot can be lodged to support them securely, especially while climbing.
He found a foothold on the rock face.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35