first dibs
Earliest selection right
First dibs is a claim to priority—the right to choose or take something before anyone else.
Children establish first dibs by calling it: I call first dibs on the front seat!
Adults use it more loosely for any prior claim: She has first dibs on the job opening.
The phrase comes from a children's game word for a claim or share.
Beginning advantage given
- precedenceSuperior rank or importance
- preferenceFavored choice among alternatives
- seniorityRank from length of service
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
early access · pole position · right of way · preferential treatment · top pick
Setting something aside beforehand
- baggingEnclosing in pouches
- securingMaking firmly fixed
- grabbingTaking hold suddenly
- snatchingSeizing quickly, abruptly
marking · holding · booking · shotgun · earmarking · tagging · locking in · nabbing
Entitlement from origin
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- pecking orderSocial dominance arrangement
- family hierarchyRelative authority among relations
- seniority rightsPrivileges from length of service
rightful claim · heir apparent · primogeniture · vested interest
Competition between children sharing parents
- friendly competitionContest among allies
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- pecking orderSocial dominance arrangement
bragging rights · one-upmanship · competitive spirit · joking around · kidding · horsing around
head start
Beginning advantage given
- precedenceSuperior rank or importance
- preferenceFavored choice among alternatives
- seniorityRank from length of service
advantage · early access · pole position · right of way · preferential treatment · top pick
reserving
Setting something aside beforehand
snatching · marking · holding · booking · shotgun · earmarking · tagging · locking in · nabbing · snapping up
birthright
Entitlement from origin
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- pecking orderSocial dominance arrangement
- family hierarchyRelative authority among relations
rightful claim · seniority rights · heir apparent · primogeniture · vested interest
sibling rivalry
Competition between children sharing parents
- friendly competitionContest among allies
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
pecking order · bragging rights · one-upmanship · competitive spirit · joking around · kidding · horsing around
- first choicetop pick, favorite, number one, priority, front runner
- employee perkscompany car, gym membership, free meals, company housing, parking space
- Sales Promotionsflash sale, coupon code, promo code, clearance sale, bundle deal
- senioritytenure, rank, time served, veteran status, experience
first dibslast pick
Final, unchosen remainder
sloppy seconds · leftovers · last in line · second choice · waiting your turn
first dibsyielding
Bending under pressure
deference · forfeiture · passing · stepping aside · giving way
first dibspassing
Moving by or temporary
deferring · yielding · relinquishing · ceding · bowing out
first, first-rate, firstly, firsthand, dibs, first-class, firstborn, first-time, first-timer