toehold

noun

1. a relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made

- American diplomacy provided a toehold on which to proceed toward peace talks

- his father gave him a toehold in the oil business

Definition categories: state, position, status

2. a small foothold used in climbing

Definition categories: man–made, foothold, footing

3. a wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints

Definition categories: act