toehold

noun

1. a relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made

   noun.state

   Examples

   American diplomacy provided a toehold on which to proceed toward peace talks.

   His father gave him a toehold in the oil business.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. a small foothold used in climbing

   noun.artifact

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. a wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints

   noun.act

   Source: WordNet 3.0