What does “Foot in the door” mean?

"Foot in the door" means making a small initial effort or gaining a small opportunity in order to eventually achieve a bigger goal or gain more advantages.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I volunteered to help with the event just to get my foot in the door.

Example

He started as an intern at the company to get his foot in the door.

Example

She applied for an entry-level position to have a foot in the door at the company

Is “Foot in the door” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Foot in the door” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Foot in the door” effectively in context?

You can use "Foot in the Door" to describe making a small initial effort or gaining a small opportunity in order to eventually achieve a bigger goal or gain more advantages. For example, if someone wants to work for a particular company, they might take on an internship or entry-level position to get their "foot in the door". This means they are starting with a small opportunity that could lead to greater opportunities in the future.

1Job Seeker
He applied for an unpaid internship to get his foot in the door at the company.
2Networking
She attended a conference to meet industry professionals and get her foot in the door for future collaborations.
3Opportunity Seeker
He volunteered to help with the event just to get his foot in the door and potentially be considered for future opportunities.

Similar phrases to “Foot in the door”:

Break into

To successfully enter or gain access to a particular field or industry

Example

He worked hard to break into the fashion industry and eventually became a successful designer.

Open doors

To create opportunities or provide access to new possibilities

Example

Her success in the competition opened doors for her career in the music industry.

Get a foot in the door

To gain a small opportunity or advantage that could lead to bigger opportunities

Example

He volunteered at the organization to get a foot in the door and potentially be considered for a paid position.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Foot in the door” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Foot in the Door" is unknown.

Is “Foot in the door” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Foot in the Door" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used in professional contexts, such as job seeking or networking, but can also be used in other situations where someone is trying to gain an advantage or opportunity.

What tone does “Foot in the door” have?

"Foot in the Door" conveys a tone of ambition and strategic thinking. It implies taking a small step or opportunity in order to achieve a larger goal or gain more advantages.

Can “Foot in the door” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Foot in the Door" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in professional contexts, but can also be used in casual conversations. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of making a small initial effort to eventually achieve something bigger.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She took on an internship to get her "foot in the door".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I just need to get my "foot in the door".' to imply the desire for a small opportunity that could lead to bigger ones.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

start small
take the first step
lay the groundwork
make an entry
get a toehold

Antonyms

miss the opportunity
close doors
burn bridges
give up
stay on the sidelines