foothole

foothole

English

Alternative forms

• foot hole

Etymology

foot +‎ hole, possibly influenced by foothold.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Noun

foothole (plural footholes)

1. (cricket) A hole in a cricket pitch made by the bowler's foot during his runup.
   • 2006, Mike Averis, The Guardian:

     The 24-year-old, who made three one-day appearances against Australia last summer, injured his ankle on Wednesday and further damaged it yesterday when he slipped in the footholes.

   • 2013, Peter Siddle, BBC Sport:

     "The wicket didn't play too bad today. Day five is going to be the biggest worry. The footholes will get bigger as the day goes on."

2. (mining) A hole into which the foot can be wedged in order to climb a shaft.
3. (climbing) A hole into a rock which can be used for climbing.
4. (figuratively) foothold