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get to first base

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get to first base (with someone or something)

 and reach first base (with someone or something)

Fig. to make a major advance with someone or something. I wish I could get to first base with this business deal. John adores Sally, but he can't even reach first base with her. She won't even speak to him.

See also: base, first, get

get to first base

to begin to have success, esp. in the early stages of something They won't even get to first base with the directors if they propose something like that.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of first base (the first place a player must run to after hitting the ball in a game of baseball)

See also: base, first, get

get to first base

 

1. (American & Australian informal) to begin to have success with something that you want to do

Usage notes: First base is the first place a player must run to after they hit the ball in a game of baseball.

They won't even get to first base with the directors with a proposal like that.

2. (mainly American humorous) to get to the first stage of a sexual relationship, where partners kiss and touch each other Jimmy hasn't even gotten to first base yet with his girlfriend.

See also: base, first, get

get to first base

Also, reach first base.

1. Succeed in the initial phase of something; meet with preliminary approval. For example, They were delighted that they'd gotten to first base in the negotiations. This term alludes to the first base of baseball, which is the first step toward scoring a run for the batter's team. [c. 1900]

2. Reach the initial stage of sexual intimacy, such as kissing. For example, Mary is so shy that I can't even get to first base with her. [1920s]

See also: base, first, get

get to first base

verb

See get to first base with someone

See also: base, first, get