obtain a foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain a foothold" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to gaining a position of advantage or stability in a situation. For example, "The startup aimed to obtain a foothold in the competitive market." Alternative expressions include "gain a foothold" and "establish a foothold."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He accepted the idea of Palestinian autonomy in order to at last obtain a foothold in Palestine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Qin attempted to obtain a foothold in the central heartland along the Huang He, it was blocked by the territories of Jin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That cooperation has helped Eni obtain a foothold in the Russian Arctic through a venture with the state oil company Rosneft in the Barents Sea, where Eni has already had success on the Norwegian side.

The New York Times

Officials from the Chinese Embassy in Washington weren't available for comment, but U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk called the decision a "clear win" for "America's creative industries," noting that it will help U.S. exporters and distributors obtain a foothold for their products in China.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In the early part of the 17th century the Dutch obtained a foothold but were soon expelled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The proportion of the population who are overweight is particularly high in Kanchanaburi; equally, the high proportion of people who are underweight in Filabavi, means that obesity has not yet obtained a foothold in these populations.

Global Health Action

The rich blood supply and lymphatic supply in the testicle prevent most infections from obtaining a strong foothold in this organ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hosts struggled to get a foothold in the game.

Independent

Struggling to get a foothold in today's job market?

The Guardian - Film

"I can't get a foothold on that".

The New Yorker

Arsenal strained to get a foothold back in the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obtain a foothold" when you want to emphasize the effort involved in gaining an initial, often precarious, advantage. Consider the context to see if a more specific term like "establish a beachhead" or "break into the market" would be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "obtain a foothold" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get started" or "gain access" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain a foothold" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively to describe the action of acquiring an initial position or advantage, often in a competitive or challenging environment. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain a foothold" signifies the act of gaining an initial, often precarious, advantage or position. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. When writing, consider more common synonyms like "gain a foothold" depending on audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure a position

Highlights the act of making a position safe and stable.

establish a presence

Focuses on creating a visible and recognized position.

establish a beachhead

Emphasizes the initial stage of an operation or expansion.

make inroads

Suggests gradual progress and penetration.

gain a strong presence

Focuses on establishing a noticeable and influential position.

gain access

Focuses on acquiring the ability to enter or use something.

get a head start

Stresses the advantage gained at the beginning.

break into the market

Specifically refers to entering a business or commercial market.

achieve initial success

Highlights the accomplishment of an early stage goal.

carve out a niche

Implies creating a unique and specific position.

FAQs

What does "obtain a foothold" mean?

The phrase "obtain a foothold" means to gain an initial and often tenuous position of advantage, allowing for further progress or expansion.

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

You can use "obtain a foothold" to describe gaining an initial advantage in a competitive environment. For example, "The company aimed to "gain a strong presence" by offering innovative solutions.

What are some alternatives to "obtain a foothold"?

Alternatives to "obtain a foothold" include "establish a beachhead", "secure a position", or "make inroads", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "obtain a foothold" or "gain a foothold"?

Both "obtain a foothold" and "gain a foothold" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference, although "gain a foothold" is more common.