blink first
To be the first party in some situation to give in or back down.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Neither side wants to blink first in this argument.”
“The two companies are waiting for the other to blink first during these difficult contract negotiations.”
“In the high-stakes game of geopolitical posturing, both nations remained resolute, neither willing to blink first and risk a loss of national prestige.”
- 01
blink of an eye
A moment (a very short period of time).
- 02
cast the first stone
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.
- 03
come first
To win first place in a competition.
- 04
director of first impressions
A receptionist.
- 05
feet first
In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).
- 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.
- 07
first and last
A person's combined given name and surname.
- 08
first annual
Being the first occurrence of an event that is scheduled or hoped to become annual.
Last updated August 10, 2026