get a/(one's) foot in the door

get a/(one's) foot in the door

To have a chance to do something that could lead to further opportunities. The phrase is often used to refer to employment. An internship might not sound very interesting, but it's a great way to get your foot in the door at this company.See also: door, foot, get

get one's foot in the door

Fig. to complete the first step in a process. (Alludes to people selling things from door-to-door and blocking the door with a foot so it cannot be closed on them.) I think I could get the job if I could only get my foot in the door. It pays to get your foot in the door. Try to get an appointment with the boss.See also: door, foot, get

foot in the door, get one's

Achieve an initial stage; succeed with a first step. For example, I think I could do well in an interview once I get my foot in the door with an appointment. This term alludes to the door-to-door salesperson or canvasser who blocks the door with one foot so it cannot be closed. See also: foot, get

get a foot in the door

or

get your foot in the door

COMMON If you get a foot in the door or get your foot in the door, you make a small but successful start at becoming involved with an organization or a business. I really wanted to be a photographer and the only reason I took the job was because I thought it might help me get a foot in the door. Temping is a good way to get your foot in the door. Note: You can also use verbs such as have or want instead of get. The company said it issued the low bid because it wanted a foot in the door of a potentially lucrative market.See also: door, foot, get

get/have a/your ˌfoot in the ˈdoor

start/have started to be accepted in an organization, a group, a profession, etc. that could bring you success: It’s difficult to get your foot in the door as a young actor without any experience. ▶ ˌfoot-in-the-ˈdoor adj.: aggressive, foot-in-the-door sales techniquesSee also: door, foot, get, have