n
1 place where one's foot can be supported securely when climbing 立足处（攀登时脚踩的地方）.
2 secure position in a business, profession, etc from which further progress may be made （在事业等方面可以进一步发展的）稳固地位
*gain a firm foothold in the industry 在这一企业中取得稳固地位.

n[C]
a position from which you can start to make progress and achieve your aims
gain/establish a foothold
　Extreme right-wing parties gained a foothold in the latest European elections.
a small hole or crack where you can safely put your foot when climbing a steep rock