# on a first-name basis

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/on-a-first-name-basis
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Having enough familiarity with another person to call them by their first name, as opposed to their surname.

## Examples

- I am on a first-name basis with my neighbor.
- After working together for a year, we are finally on a first-name basis with our boss.
- Although the professor initially maintained a formal distance, he eventually invited his students to be on a first-name basis with him during office hours.

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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.