a small place where a climber can safely rest their foot, or more generally, an initial position or starting point for gaining more power or influence.
From 'foot' (Old English 'fot') + 'hold' (Old English 'hald' meaning grip or support). The literal climbing sense dates to the 1600s, while the figurative sense developed by the 1800s.
The term 'gain a foothold' is fascinating because it comes from rock climbing, where climbers literally look for tiny places to rest their feet while ascending—and that's exactly how people gain power and influence in life too: tiny advances build up.
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