Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
foot-in-the-door
idiom
/ˈfut ɪn ðə dɔr/
Definition
A persuasive technique in which a person gets a commitment from someone for a small request before making a larger request.
Examples
- After asking for help with the trash, he later requested assistance with the entire cleaning project—just like the foot-in-the-door technique.
- By volunteering for a minor role in the project, she aimed to get a foot-in-the-door for bigger responsibilities.
Meaning
The phrase refers to a strategy of starting with a small request to gain more significant compliance later.
Synonyms
- incremental commitment
- initial request strategy
- gradual engagement
