ENGLISH
REFERENCE

blink first

idiom
Meaning

To be the first party in some situation to give in or back down.


Examples
SIMPLE

Neither side wants to blink first in this argument.

CONTEXTUAL

The two companies are waiting for the other to blink first during these difficult contract negotiations.

COMPLEX

In the high-stakes game of geopolitical posturing, both nations remained resolute, neither willing to blink first and risk a loss of national prestige.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blink of an eye

    A moment (a very short period of time).

  2. 02

    cast the first stone

    To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.

  3. 03

    come first

    To win first place in a competition.

  4. 04

    director of first impressions

    A receptionist.

  5. 05

    feet first

    In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).

  6. 06

    first among equals

    A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group.

  7. 07

    first and last

    A person's combined given name and surname.

  8. 08

    first annual

    Being the first occurrence of an event that is scheduled or hoped to become annual.

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