footholds

1. an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and suppliesExamples: "an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines"; "the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar"Synonyms: bridgehead, foothold

2. a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbingSynonyms: foothold, footing

3. an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developmentsExamples: "the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors"; "they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market"Synonyms: beachhead, foothold