Meaning & use
toeholds
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“toeholds” is a form of “toehold”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Small ledges or cracks on a rock, wall or other surface just big enough to support the front of a climber's foot.
Grammar: Countable noun used in the plural when there are several: she found two toeholds.
Patterns
- find toeholds in something
- use toeholds to climb
She searched the cliff face for toeholds before moving up.
Tiny toeholds carved in the ice made the climb possible.
Without toeholds, the smooth wall was impossible to scale.
nounpluralfigurative
Small first positions of influence or presence from which a person or business can later grow bigger.
Grammar: Figurative; usually follows gain, establish or secure: the firm established toeholds abroad.
Patterns
- gain toeholds in something
- establish toeholds in a market
The start-up gained toeholds in three overseas markets last year.
Small local shops have found toeholds in the neighborhood by selling specialty goods.
The party won a few toeholds on city councils before aiming higher.
Word forms
| singular | toehold |
|---|
Common combinations
- gain toeholds
- Smaller brands gained toeholds among younger shoppers.
- establish toeholds
- The airline established toeholds in several Asian cities.
- secure toeholds
- Rebels secured toeholds in the northern hills.
- precarious toeholds
- The climbers rested on precarious toeholds above the gorge.
Synonyms and how they differ
- footholds
- Footholds is nearly identical but can mean support for the whole foot, while toeholds suggests an even smaller, more fragile support.
- footings
- Footings describes a firm base to stand on and has no suggestion of climbing or small beginnings.
- bridgeheads
- Bridgeheads are strong military or business positions held to advance from, whereas toeholds are weaker and more tentative.
Word family
- toehold noun
- one small support for the toe or a minor starting position
- foothold noun
- a place to rest the foot, or a position from which to advance
- handhold noun
- something a climber can grip with a hand
- stronghold noun
- a place well defended or dominated by a group
Commonly confused: toeholds or toeholds?
toeholds vs toeholds
Do not confuse with toe holds as two words in a wrestling sense. The one-word noun is used for climbing supports and small starting positions.
Practice
A small shop opens its first branch abroad. Which sentence uses toeholds in the figurative sense?
Choose one answer.
Gaining toeholds in markets means getting small first positions from which to grow. The other options describe literal ledges or invent a wrong use.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “toeholds”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.