have dibs on

Idioms  

1. Have a first claim on something, as in If you don't want it, I have dibs on the next available apartment. This term was originally schoolyard slang. [c. 1930]

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Example Sentences

Mr. Forrest, Janet Maslin wrote in a review in The New York Times, “would be the surprise hit of the movie if Miss Midler didn’t herself have dibs on that position.”

From New York Times

Why can’t I have dibs on a guy I like, whether he likes me or not?

From Literature

“I have dibs on Hudayfi,” he smiles.

From Washington Times

The man lets them have dibs on any horse they think they can find a home for.

From Washington Times

Morris and Dempsey both appear to have dibs on Valdez’s preferred center-forward spot.

From Seattle Times