a foot in the door
1
an opportunity for starting a business or entering an organization, etc. in order to achieve a higher level of success later
The idiom "a foot in the door" comes from sales tactics, where a salesperson would use a foot to prevent a door from closing in order to gain entry to a potential customer's home or business. It has been in use since at least the 20th century. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone gains a small opportunity or initial success that can lead to further opportunities or success in the future.
- Getting an interview is a foot in the door for a job opportunity.
- He got his foot in the door by working as an intern before being hired full-time.
- If he can get a meeting with the CEO, it could be a foot in the door for his business.
- If you can get accepted into the program, it will be a foot in the door for your career.
- She is trying to get a foot in the door by volunteering at the company.