toehold

Climber's slight purchase

A toehold is a small ledge or crevice just large enough to support the toes when climbing: She found a toehold in the rock face.

Figuratively, it's any minimal but secure position from which to advance: The company established a toehold in the Asian market.

In wrestling, a toehold is a hold in which the foot is bent or twisted.

advantage

foothold

Stable position for advancement

leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
edgeBoundary or sharpness
headstartInitial competitive advantage

inroad · opportunity · breakthrough · steppingstone · entry · beachhead · opening · advancement · gain · initiative

climbing

foothold

Stable position for advancement

handholdSomething to grasp
ledgeProjecting horizontal surface
creviceNarrow opening in surface

crimp · edging · smear · mantle · pitch · overhang · crack · notch · grip · ascend

grip

foothold

Stable position for advancement

gripSecure manual hold
graspSeize or understand
claspSecuring device that clicks

clutch · purchase · anchor · clench · cling · latch · secure · brace

business

stake

Sharpened post or share

footholdStable position for advancement
positionLocation or stance
minoritySmaller part of whole

shareholding · equity · interest · holding · ownership · participation · investment · venture · acquisition · portfolio

Categories

advantagesedge, leverage, upper hand, leg up, head start
rock crevicescrack, gap, fissure, cleft, fracture

Opposites

degree of establishment or grip

toeholdfirm grip

Secure manual hold

stranglehold · firm stance · stronghold · dominant position · solid foundation

stage of progress or market entry

toeholddominance

Superior influence over others

monopoly · market dominance · stranglehold · stronghold · dominant position

Family

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G