get to first base

1. Also, reach first base.

2. Succeed in the initial phase of something; meet with preliminary approval. For example, They were delighted that they'd gotten to first base in the negotiations . This term alludes to the first base of baseball, which is the first step toward scoring a run for the batter's team. [c. 1900]

3. Reach the initial stage of sexual intimacy, such as kissing. For example, Mary is so shy that I can't even get to first base with her . [1920s]

Example Sentences

“Guys that get to first base still go, ‘I cannot see the slider,’ and then he throws a 71-, 72-mph curveball,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Steve Garvey didn’t get to first base,” former state Atty.

From Los Angeles Times

In the New York Mets’ game against the Marlins in Miami on Thursday, Jeff McNeil was waiting for his teammate, Pete Alonso, to get to first base after a walk.

From Washington Post

The main hook was that batters would have to use the donkey to get to first base.

From Washington Post

Urshela, in his next at-bat, grounded out to third base, but the replay showed he appeared to get to first base before the third baseman’s throw.

From Fox News