foothold

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
noun a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing
noun an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments

From foot + hold.

"We are cutting footholds up the incline. — The Young Railroaders: Tales of Adventure and Ingenuity, Francis Lovell Coombs
This forms a trembling foothold for the traveler. — McGuffey's Third Eclectic Reader, William Holmes McGuffey
The fly could find no foothold on him. — "Wee Tim'rous Beasties": Studies of Animal life and Character, Douglas English

bridgehead

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