foothold

Noun (3)

1. 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”Synonyms: bridgehead
2. a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbingSynonyms: footing
3. 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”Synonyms: beachhead