noun
beginning; clue; starting point
Refers to the initial step, foothold, or hint that helps one get started on something. Often used in phrases like 取っ掛かりがない (no clue where to start) or 取っ掛かりをつかむ (get a foothold).
この問題は難しくて、どこから手をつけていいか取っ掛かりがない。
This problem is so difficult that I have no clue where to start.
彼の一言が事件解決の取っ掛かりになった。
His one remark became the starting point for solving the case.