on a first-name basis

Idioms  

1. Quite familiar and friendly, as in Practically all the guests were on a first-name basis. This idiom alludes to the fact that using a person's given name betokens familiarity. [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on a first-name basis

He was quickly on a first-name basis with Paul Rudolph, the intimidating head of the school, and the influential art historian Vincent Scully.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025

She talked about her program’s mission during regular guest appearances on local TV news stations and was on a first-name basis with lawmakers in Sacramento and D.C. who were pushing for new anti-trafficking laws.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2024

Five years ago, Carper and Vanselous weren’t on a first-name basis with these plants, and if not for that wet spot in their New Jersey backyard, they might not have started down the willow path.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 6, 2024

Locals are on a first-name basis with significant nearby fires, and they become familiar conversational touchstones.

From Slate ● Sep. 18, 2023

He and Traynor were now on a first-name basis.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple