first blood
Britishnoun
-
the first killing or wounding in a fight or war
-
the first damage or reverse inflicted on an opponent in a conflict
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The FDA approved Bayer’s Sunharbo, the first blood thinner shown to prevent repeat strokes without significantly increasing bleeding risks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2026
Just like last year, when New Zealand drew first blood, the visitors came roaring out, punishing a penalty given away cheaply with a piece of trickery at a close-range line-out that bamboozled the Scots.
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2026
The findings suggest that early animals created the first blood cells by reusing genetic material inherited from ancient single-celled ancestors.
From Science Daily ● May 27, 2026
Pegula swung the momentum her way and drew first blood in the final set, opening up a 4-1 gap with an inch-perfect lob.
From Barron's ● Feb. 20, 2026
Beyond his tree, as he slept, the first blood light of dawn was rising up the sky.
From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
