toehold

noun

toe·​hold ˈtō-ˌhōld 

1

a

: a hold or place of support for the toes (as in climbing)

b(1)

: a means of progressing (as in surmounting barriers)

(2)

: a slight footing

… used his money to get a toehold, then a foothold, then a near stranglehold on the political economy …

—R. W. Armstrong

2

: an illegal wrestling hold in which the aggressor bends or twists the other wrestler's foot

Examples of toehold in a Sentence

American companies looking for toeholds in foreign markets.

Recent Examples on the Web

Eisenman, which runs parallel to Interstate 84, has been a particular hotspot for industrial development as national firms look to take advantage of Micron’s investment and gain a toehold in the burgeoning Northwest. — Mark Dee july 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026

Trump is correct that the Democratic Socialists of America, whose leadership is at least half communist, has gained a toehold in the Democratic Party. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Mini suites enable start-ups and other small employers the opportunity to gain a toehold in premium buildings through affordable, turnkey, move-in-ready spaces. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

With its Sky business, NBCUniversal has a toehold in Britain and Europe at a time when Amazon and Netflix are flexing their global distribution muscles. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for toehold

• ahold
• behold
• billfold
• blindfold
• cajoled
• consoled
• controlled
• cotswold
• eightfold
• enfold
• enrolled
• extolled

Kids Definition

toehold

noun

toe·​hold ˈtō-ˌhōld 

: a hold or support for the toes (as in climbing)