A Parisian's foothold in the property market? (4-1-5)
I believe the answer is:
pied-a-terre
'property market?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
I also know that 'property' relates to this answer.
'a parisian's foothold in the' is the wordplay.
'a parisian' becomes 'pierre' (common French name).
'foothold' becomes 'date' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'in the' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'pierre' enclosing 'date' is 'PIED-A-TERRE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pied-a-terre that I've seen before include "bijou accommodation" , "Small home kept for occasional use" , "Dwelling for occasional use" , "Lodging kept for occasional use (French)" , "Small secondary flat or house" .)