on a first-name basis
idiom
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 toShe was on a first-name basis with adversity.
Examples of on a first-name basis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Jordan Hawkins, Adama Sanogo, Andre Jackson Jr., Steph Castle, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, Tristen Newton, all on a first-name basis with America by the time NCAA Tournament arrived.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 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
Awakening in the Shoshone camp, Isaac seems to be on a first-name basis with Sleeping Deer (Harrison Lowe), whose medicine has brought him back from the brink of death, and other members of the tribe.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025
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Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Jordan Hawkins, Adama Sanogo, Andre Jackson Jr., Steph Castle, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, Tristen Newton, all on a first-name basis with America by the time NCAA Tournament arrived.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 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
Awakening in the Shoshone camp, Isaac seems to be on a first-name basis with Sleeping Deer (Harrison Lowe), whose medicine has brought him back from the brink of death, and other members of the tribe.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on a first-name basis
Cite this Entry
“On a first-name basis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20a%20first-name%20basis. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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