foothold

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: foot=hold

CIDE DICTIONARY

foothold, n. 

 A holding with the feet; firm standing; that on which one may tread or rest securely; footing.  L'Estrange.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

foothold, n.
1 a place, esp. in climbing, where a foot can be supported securely.
2 a secure initial position or advantage.

THESAURUS

foothold

advantage, bear hug, bite, clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, cling, clinging, clutch, death grip, embrace, firm hold, footing, footplate, footrail, footrest, grapple, grasp, grip, gripe, hold, hug, iron grip, locus standi, nip, perch, purchase, seizure, stance, stand, standing, standing place, tight grip, toehold, traction