to take the first step toward achieving a goal, often by gaining an initial opportunity or entry into a desired situation, job, or organization (this doesn’t guarantee full success, but it opens possibilities).
Frequency of Use: Medium
Sample Sentences
She accepted the unpaid internship just to get her foot in the door at the marketing firm.
I took the night-shift job to get my foot in the door of the company.
Volunteering at the local TV station helped him get his foot in the door of broadcasting.
He started as a delivery driver to get his foot in the door of the film industry.
Joining the committee was her way of getting her foot in the door for bigger leadership roles.
Conversation Questions
Have you ever tried to “get your foot in the door” in a company or organization? How did it turn out?
Do you think it’s worth taking a low-paying or unpaid position just to “get your foot in the door”? Why or why not?
What are some creative ways to “get your foot in the door” in a career you want?
Speaking Situation
Situation: You’ve always wanted to work at a large publishing company. Recently, a friend tells you about an entry-level position there—nothing glamorous, mostly office tasks. Even though it’s not your dream job, it could lead to better roles in the future. Your friend asks why you would take such a basic job.
Possible Answer with the Idiom: “I know it’s not an editor position, but it’s a chance to get my foot in the door at the company. Once I’m there, I can network and apply for better opportunities.”
Possible Answer without the Idiom: “It’s not my ideal role, but it will give me a start at the company, and from there I can work toward the job I really want.”
Language Activity
Sometimes, learners know the meaning of an idiom, but they don’t know how to use it correctly in conversation or writing. Thus, this activity checks your grammatical accuracy with the idiom so you become more confident in using it.
Transcript
Have you ever wanted to break into a new job or industry, but you weren’t sure how to get started?
Well, here’s an idiom that might help you get your foot in the door. It means taking that first step towards something, even if you’re not sure how things will turn out. For example, let’s say you want to work at a big company. I think a lot of people do. Maybe you start by getting an internship or by applying for an entry level position, and you might say, I’m just trying to get my foot in the door with this company. It’s a way of saying, I’m starting somewhere a and that’s important. That’s a great place to begin.
So remember, if you’re ever nervous about starting, let’s say something new, a new a new job or whatever, just focus on getting your foot in the door. Once you’re in, you can grow from there. Everyone can understand that. So now go ahead and make that first move, whether it’s a job or a project or a new adventure. You’re closer than you think to opening that door.