first blood

British  

noun

1. the first killing or wounding in a fight or war

2. the first damage or reverse inflicted on an opponent in a conflict

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Example Sentences

Earlier, the Dodgers drew first blood on Halloween night as Tommy Edman doubled, Shohei Ohtani was intentionally walked, and Smith's double to left field sent Edman home.

From BBC

Not even a home run from Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani could spare the defending champions' blushes as their American League opponents drew first blood in the best-of-seven series.

From BBC

Yesavage, 22, was named on Thursday to start game one as the Blue Jays look to draw first blood against the defending Major League Baseball champions in the best-of-seven series.

From Barron's

In theater lobbies, framed Struzan posters were often how a person first heard about coming films like “First Blood” or “Coming to America.”

From The Wall Street Journal

First blood went to the Reds, a bust through the Lions midfield by Paisami giving them field position, some heavy carries taking them deeper still.

From BBC