a solid foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solid foothold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or stable position in a particular context, such as in business, personal development, or physical activities. Example: "After months of hard work, the startup finally gained a solid foothold in the competitive market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The weekly Reporter, run by Janice Min and Lynne Segall, already has a solid foothold there.

The New York Times

Now 40, Ms. Gonzalez has a master's degree in nonprofit management, two children and a solid foothold in the professional middle class.

The New York Times - Health

America's political traditions had never gained a solid foothold in the state, where the illiteracy and poverty of many whites and the disenfranchisement of blacks deterred true democracy.

The Economist

By remaining atop the county's political pyramid, he maintains a solid foothold in local politics and keeps his political future strong.

The New York Times

As a venture begins achieving a solid foothold in the marketplace, it needs different leadership capabilities to create maximum shareholder value.

Harvard Business Review

J. P. Morgan, which has struggled to gain a solid foothold as a leading underwriter of common stock, saw its position improve significantly from a year ago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

And with its chief rival achieving an early, solid foothold in the digital distribution business, the company is almost certainly looking to respond.

Forbes

Meanwhile, Facebook has proven that when it pushes a dedicated product related to a particular feature or function on its existing site – as it did with the forced download of the Messenger app, which is still in the top of the charts on the App Store – it can establish a solid mobile foothold with an app that is not Facebook proper.

TechCrunch

Mr. Lund, a guitarist, and Mr. Wolf, a vibraphonist, appear one after the other, bringing an abundance of technique, a firm foothold in tradition and a solid working band.

The New York Times - Arts

After all, while Google may not have had a strong foothold in the Chinese search market from an overall perspective, indications are that they did have a very solid hold of the better educated, young elite class in China.

TechCrunch

No one's established a firm foothold.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a solid foothold", consider the specific context. It implies not just initial entry, but also some degree of stability and security. Use it when you want to convey that something has moved beyond the initial stages and is becoming established.

Common error

Avoid using "a solid foothold" to describe temporary success or fleeting achievements. The phrase implies a lasting and secure position, not just a short-term win.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a solid foothold" functions as a noun phrase that describes a stable and secure position or foundation. It is typically used to indicate that something has moved beyond the initial stages and is becoming well-established. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a solid foothold" is a commonly used phrase that describes a stable and secure position or foundation. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and is frequently found in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. The phrase suggests more than just initial entry; it conveys a sense of establishment and security. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a degree of permanence, rather than a fleeting moment of success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm foundation

Emphasizes the base or underlying support, rather than the achieved position.

a secure position

Focuses on the safety and stability of the established placement.

a strong base

Highlights the strength and reliability of the starting point.

an established presence

Stresses the recognition and acceptance gained in a particular area.

a firm grip

Implies control and maintenance of the existing status.

a secure foundation

Combines stability and fundamental support, but less emphasis on competitive positioning.

a dominant position

Suggests a leading or controlling status, which is stronger than simply having a foothold.

a strategic advantage

Highlights the benefit gained in terms of planning and future success.

a launching pad

Focuses on future opportunities stemming from the current stable position.

a strategic position

Implies a calculated and advantageous placement for achieving specific goals.

FAQs

How can I use "a solid foothold" in a sentence?

You can use "a solid foothold" to describe gaining a stable position in a market, industry, or even a physical location. For instance, "The company worked hard to establish "a solid foothold" in the Asian market".

What can I say instead of "a solid foothold"?

You can use alternatives like "a firm foundation", "a secure position", or "an established presence" depending on the context.

Is it better to have "a solid foothold" or just a foothold?

Having "a solid foothold" is preferable because it suggests stability and security, whereas just a foothold implies a precarious or temporary position.

What's the difference between "a solid foothold" and "a strong base"?

"A solid foothold" often implies a position gained in a competitive environment, whereas "a strong base" refers more generally to a firm foundation or starting point.