- To gain an initial, small opportunity or position within a company, organization, or field, which could potentially lead to better opportunities later.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely derived from the literal practice of door-to-door salespeople preventing a door from being closed by placing their foot in the opening, thus allowing them a chance to make their pitch.
- The metaphor extends to gaining any kind of initial access or entry point.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Get an in. (Having a connection or initial opportunity)
- Crack the code. (Figuring out how to enter a difficult field/company)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Not typically expressed with vulgarity, as it's about strategy.
Milder/Formal:
- Secure an initial foothold.
- Establish an initial presence.
Situational Appropriateness
- Widely appropriate in informal, semi-formal, and even formal contexts when discussing careers, networking, and opportunities. Very common in professional advice.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Very unlikely to be misunderstood. The metaphor is common and transparent.
Examples
- Taking an internship is a good way to get your foot in the door at that company.
- She accepted the entry-level job just to get her foot in the door in the publishing industry.
- Networking events can help you get your foot in the door.
Dialogue
Layla: I'm thinking of volunteering at the film festival.
Ben: Oh yeah? Why's that?
Layla: Well, I really want to work in film production. It seems like a good way to meet people and maybe get my foot in the door.
Ben: That makes sense. Good luck with it!
Social Media Examples
- LinkedIn Post: Thrilled to start my internship at TechCorp! Excited to learn and get my foot in the door in the tech industry. #internship #careergoals
- Tweet: Advice for new grads: Sometimes taking a less-than-perfect job is worth it to get your foot in the door. #jobsearch #careeradvice
- Forum Question: What's the best way to get your foot in the door in game development without a degree?
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Encouragement: That's a smart move. / Good idea. / Definitely, that's how it often works.
- Advice: Make sure you make a good impression once you're in. / What kind of role are you looking for?
- Sharing experiences: That's how I started too.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they want to get their foot in the door:
- Listener might ask about their strategy: How are you planning to do that? / Any leads?
- Or offer advice/connections: Have you tried contacting X? / I might know someone there.
After someone says they *have* gotten their foot in the door:
- Listener usually offers congratulations: That's great! / Awesome!
- And might ask about the role or next steps: What's the job? / What are your plans now?
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a strategy or achievement within a context, usually related to careers or gaining access.
Intonation
- Stress often falls on foot and door.
- Can be said with a tone of strategic planning or hopefulness.
- I need to get my FOOT in the DOOR.
Generation Differences
- Understood and used across all working-age generations. The concept is timeless in career development.
Regional Variations
- Universally understood and used in English-speaking regions.