TOEHOLD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does toehold mean? 

• TOEHOLD (noun)
  The noun TOEHOLD has 3 senses:

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

2. a small foothold used in climbing

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

  Familiarity information: TOEHOLD used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TOEHOLD (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Context example:

his father gave him a toehold in the oil business

Hypernyms ("toehold" is a kind of...):

position; status (the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A small foothold used in climbing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("toehold" is a kind of...):

foothold; footing (a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("toehold" is a kind of...):

wrestling hold (a hold used in the sport of wrestling)