toehold toe‧hold [ˈtəʊhəʊld ǁ ˈtoʊhoʊld] noun [singular]
someone's first involvement in a particular business activity from which they can develop and become stronger:
• The company has struggled for a toehold in the fiercely competitive PC market.
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toehold UK US /ˈtəʊhəʊld/ noun [S]
► an opportunity to start doing something small that may lead to bigger and better opportunities in the future: to gain/get a toehold in sth »
With their new electronic products they have gained a toehold in an increasingly competitive market.
»The company is fighting for a toehold in the world's largest soft drinks market.
Financial and business terms. 2012.