English Reference
Idiom idiom

get to first base


To get as far as the first phase or milestone of a goal.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

We cannot even get to first base with this project yet.

CONTEXTUAL

The team struggled to get to first base because they could not agree on a budget.

COMPLEX

Despite their elaborate preparations, the negotiators failed to get to first base during the initial round of discussions.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    base over apex

    Falling over in a jumbled heap.

  3. 03

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  4. 04

    blink first

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

  5. 05

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  6. 06

    cast the first stone

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

  7. 07

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  8. 08

    come first

    To win first place in a competition.

Last updated August 10, 2026