Foothold

Noun

 * 1)  A solid grip with the feet
 * 2) (military) airhead, beachhead, bridgehead, lodgement

Thesaurus
advantage, bear hug, bite, clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, cling, clinging, clutch, death grip, embrace, firm hold, footing, footplate, footrail, footrest, grapple, grasp, grip, gripe, hold, hug, iron grip, locus standi, nip, perch, purchase, seizure, stance, stand, standing, standing place, tight grip, toehold, traction

Etymology
foot + hold