on a first-name basis

idiom

: having a close personal relationship where each person addresses the other by their first name

He was on a first-name basis with his boss.

They know most of the officials on a first-name basis.

—sometimes used figuratively to describe something that one is familiar with or accustomed to

She was on a first-name basis with adversity.

Examples of on a first-name basis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Tom Girardi was on a first-name basis with senators from California to North Carolina. —

Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2024 By then, Brown was on a first-name basis with both prosecutors. —

Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024 Chen Liu of Vista explained that many in Friday’s crowd are on a first-name basis, gradually getting to know each other over decades spent leaning on the rail, chatting days away even when the only thing biting is the pelican roosting on the rail down by the bait shop. —

Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2024 Now connected and on a first-name basis, the two feel the moment has sparked the beginnings of a beautiful friendship. —

George Solis, NBC News, 14 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for on a first-name basis

Dictionary Entries Near on a first-name basis

on a first-come, first-served basis

on a first-name basis

on a friendly basis

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“On a first-name basis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20a%20first-name%20basis. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation