# get to first base

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/get-to-first-base
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- We cannot even get to first base with this project yet.
- The team struggled to get to first base because they could not agree on a budget.
- Despite their elaborate preparations, the negotiators failed to get to first base during the initial round of discussions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.