foothold

noun

1. 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

2. 2

   a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

3. 3

   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