Inside the Universes

Words with a similar base: foothold

'foothold'

[bridgehead.n.01] as in: an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies

Examples:
an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines
the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar

'foothold'

[foothold.n.02] as in: a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing

'foothold'

[beachhead.n.02] as in: an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments

Examples:
the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors
they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market

Origins

					foothold (English)
├── foot (English)
└── hold (English)
    ├── hold (Middle English (1100-1500))
    │   └── hold (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
    └── holden (Middle English (1100-1500))
        └── healdan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))