FOOTHOLD

Small area captured and held as the basis for subsequent advance (8)

Solution has appeared in 2 crosswords (1 across and 1 down):

• Quick crossword No 15,548 — 2020-03-07 00:00:50
  11A: Secure position from which progress can be made (8)
• Quick crossword No 15,205 — 2019-01-31 00:00:06
  4D: Small area captured and held as the basis for subsequent advance (8)