toehold

noun

1. a small ledge or niche just large enough to support the toes, as in climbing.
2. any slight or initial support, influence, advantage, progress, or the like: His knowledge of Latin gave him a toehold for learning French.
3. a batten nailed to a sloping roof as a support for workers.
4. Wrestling. a hold in which an opponent’s foot is twisted.

noun

1. a small foothold to facilitate climbing
2. any means of gaining access, support, etcthe socialist party gained a toehold in the local elections
3. a wrestling hold in which the opponent’s toe is held and his leg twisted against the joints