名词

1. 立足点;稳固地位
A foothold is a strong or favourable position from which further advances or progress may be made.

2. (攀登时的)立足点,支点
A foothold is a place such as a small hole or area of rock where you can safely put your foot when climbing.

1. an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments

e.g. the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors
they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market

Synonym: beachhead

2. a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

Synonym: footing

3. an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies

e.g. an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines
the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar

Synonym: bridgehead