on a first-name basis

phrase

US

: 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

Many customers are on a first-name basis with lots of banter with the barkeeps. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

Wilson was a constant presence at public forums and knew many principals and administrators on a first-name basis. — Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025

The Frost are on a first-name basis with the PWHL championship trophy after winning it — the Walter Cup — last year in the league’s inaugural season. — Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025

As a Canadian entertainment industry pioneer, Bronfman was on a first-name basis with politicians at all levels of government. — Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025

Rhymes for on a first-name basis

• anabasis
• cholestasis
• haemostasis
• hemostasis
• hypostasis
• periphrasis
• atelectasis
• bronchiectasis
• homeostasis
• glacis
• mesas
• stasis