1.
foothold, toehold
A place to put one's foot when climbing or a secure position from which to advance.
岩の足掛かりを探す。
To look for a foothold on the rock.
崖を登るには足掛かりが必要だ。
You need footholds to climb the cliff.
2.
stepping stone, starting point, springboard
Something that helps one make progress or achieve a goal figuratively.
この資格を足掛かりにキャリアアップを目指す。
I aim to advance my career using this qualification as a stepping stone.
今回の成功を足掛かりに、さらに飛躍したい。
I want to use this success as a springboard to achieve even more.
インターンシップは就職への足掛かりになる。
Internships serve as a stepping stone to employment.
海外進出の足掛かりとして、まず現地法人を設立した。
As a foothold for overseas expansion, we first established a local subsidiary.
足掛かり has a literal meaning (a physical foothold for climbing) and a figurative meaning (a stepping stone or springboard for advancement). The figurative use is much more common.
WRITING:
Also written as 足がかり} (mixed) or {足懸かり.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 足掛か��になる: to serve as a stepping stone
- 足掛かりにする: to use as a stepping stone
- 足���かりを得��: to gain a foothold
- 足掛かりを築く: to establish a foothold
RELATED WORDS:
- 手掛かり: handhold; clue (parallel formation with 手)
- 足場: scaffolding; footing (more physical/construction)
- 踏み台: stepping stool; also figurative springboard