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

[ Syn: bridgehead ]

a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

[ Syn: footing ]

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

[ Syn: beachhead ]