Get a foot in the door
Meaning
To gain an initial, small opportunity or advantage that can lead to greater success or a more significant position.
Origin
The vivid image behind "get a foot in the door" likely springs from the aggressive tactics of early 20th-century door-to-door salespeople. Imagine a hawker, intent on making a sale, approaching a reluctant homeowner. To prevent the door from being slammed shut, the salesperson would literally wedge their foot into the opening, creating a small but crucial space. This physical maneuver bought them a few extra seconds to make their pitch, transforming a closed door into a potential opportunity. The phrase quickly moved beyond sales to describe any small initial step that secures a chance for greater access or influence, an enduring metaphor for persistence against resistance.
Examples
- Even an unpaid internship can help you get a foot in the door at a competitive company.
- She took a receptionist job just to get a foot in the door, hoping to move into a management role later.