'toehold' definitions:

Definition of 'toehold'

From: WordNet
noun
A relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made; "American diplomacy provided a toehold on which to proceed toward peace talks"; "his father gave him a toehold in the oil business"
noun
A small foothold used in climbing
noun
A wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints

Synonyms of 'toehold'

From: Moby Thesaurus