firm foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

'firm foothold' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "firm foothold" when you want to express a secure or stable start to something. For example, you could say, "After a few difficult years, the tech startup finally achieved a firm foothold in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No one's established a firm foothold.

The New York Times - Arts

Not surprisingly Ms. Franklin's most electrifying performances have a firm foothold in the church.

The New York Times - Arts

And yet that music has established a firm foothold in one area: the amateur chorus.

The New York Times

With the birth of the Royal North Devon Golf Club in 1864, golf took a firm foothold in England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

TD, one of the leading vehicle lenders in Canada, gets a firm foothold in the much bigger market next door.

The Economist

And carbon tax systems, while rare and rife with controversy, retain a firm foothold in a number of advanced economies.

The New York Times

Shortly thereafter, in 1596, the Dutch entered the area and began to establish a firm foothold in western Sumatra.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They fear that inflation now has such a firm foothold that it could take a serious downturn to stop it.

The New York Times

With a firm foothold in the business market, Nextel is also making inroads into the consumer market.

The New York Times

They took up the challenge, Root sure of stroke and purpose to help England take a firm foothold after all in this first Test of their Ashes summer.

Independent

According to the Boston Consulting Group, venture capital investing "appears well on its way to establishing a firm foothold in the corporate world," The Wall Street Journal reports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firm foothold" when describing the establishment of a secure or stable position, especially in competitive or challenging environments. For example, "The company gained a firm foothold in the Asian market after securing several key partnerships."

Common error

Avoid using "firm foothold" to describe literal physical footing. The phrase is best used metaphorically to represent stability in abstract concepts like business, politics, or influence. For example, it would be incorrect to say "He needed a firm foothold on the slippery rocks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm foothold" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It describes the action of gaining or establishing a secure and stable position or base. Ludwig provides many examples showing its use in contexts like business and politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm foothold" is a versatile noun phrase denoting the establishment of a secure and stable position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and science contexts. When writing, remember that this phrase is best used metaphorically to represent stability in abstract concepts, and alternatives such as "solid foundation" or "secure position" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuances you want to convey. With its frequent use across authoritative sources, mastering the use of "firm foothold" can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm foundation

Focuses on the structural support provided for future growth.

solid foundation

Emphasizes the underlying support and stability, rather than the initial establishment.

solid platform

Emphasizes a reliable base from which to operate or expand.

secure position

Focuses on the safety and defensibility of the achieved state.

established presence

Highlights the recognized existence and influence in a particular area.

strong base

Highlights the strength and resilience of the established starting point.

strategic advantage

Indicates a beneficial placement or condition achieved for a specific purpose.

stable beginning

Emphasizes the steadiness and reliability of the commencement.

gained traction

Suggests forward progress and increasing momentum.

beachhead established

More military-focused term for initial territory gained.

FAQs

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

You can use "firm foothold" to describe gaining a secure and stable position in a competitive environment. For example, "The new technology has helped the company establish a firm foothold in the market."

What's a good alternative to "firm foothold"?

Depending on the context, you could use "solid foundation", "secure position", or "strong base" as alternatives to "firm foothold".

Is it correct to use "firm foothold" when describing physical footing?

No, "firm foothold" is typically used metaphorically to describe a stable position in an abstract context, not a literal physical stance. Instead of "firm foothold", it would be better to say "He had a steady grip" or "He stood firmly" in that context.

What does it mean to gain a "firm foothold" in an industry?

To gain a "firm foothold" in an industry means to establish a strong and secure presence, indicating a stable starting point for further growth and success. It suggests more than just initial entry; it implies a defensible and resilient position.