the first in counterclockwise order of the bases from home plate.
the position of the player covering the area of the infield near first base.
Idioms
2.
get to first base, Informal.
to succeed in the initial phase of a plan or undertaking:
His suggestions for labor-saving techniques never got to first base.
to engage in petting that goes no further than kissing.
Origin
1835-45, Americanism
British Dictionary definitions for get to first base
first base
noun
1.
(baseball)
the base that a runner must reach safely to score a hit, and the first of the three bases he must reach safely on the way to home plate in order to score a run
the fielding position nearest this base
2.
(informal, mainly US & Canadian) get to first base, to accomplish the first step of an undertaking
Slang definitions & phrases for get to first base
get to first base
verb phrase
To begin well; take a successful first step •Usually in the negative: I couldn't get to first base with the committee(1930s+)
To initiate sexual activity successfully, esp by hugging, caressing, kissing, etc •In the same baseball analogy, get to third base means touching and toying with the genitals, and get to home plate means to do the sex act, that is, ''score'' (1970+ Teenagers)
first base
noun phrase
In early sexual play, holding hands: ''In sixth grade,'' she said, ''first base is holding hands, and second base is kissing on the mouth''(1980s+ Schoolchildren)
Succeed in the initial phase of something; meet with preliminary approval. For example, They were delighted that they'd gotten to first base in the negotiations. This term alludes to the first base of baseball, which is the first step toward scoring a run for the batter's team. [ c. 1900 ]
.
Reach the initial stage of sexual intimacy, such as kissing. For example, Mary is so shy that I can't even get to first base with her. [ 1920s ]