first blood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, but also used in formal contexts (e.g., historical, journalistic)
Quick answer
What does “first blood” mean?
The initial point scored, the first victory in a competition, or the first person killed/injured in a conflict.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The initial point scored, the first victory in a competition, or the first person killed/injured in a conflict.
The first significant advantage gained in any competitive situation; more broadly, the first instance of damage or loss in a series of events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slightly higher frequency in British English sports commentary due to cricket and rugby usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations of initial advantage and a combative, competitive edge.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, especially in sports, gaming, and business journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “first blood” in a Sentence
[Team/Player] draws first blood[Competitor] scores first blood with [action]First blood goes to [entity]to gain first blood in [contest]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first blood” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The home side look to first-blood their opponents early in the match.
- He first-blooded his rival with a devastating counter-argument.
American English
- Our team needs to first-blood them in the opening minutes.
- She first-blooded the debate with a shocking statistic.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as adverb; standard adverbial phrases preferred.)
American English
- (Rarely used as adverb; standard adverbial phrases preferred.)
adjective
British English
- A first-blood victory set the tone for the series.
- He celebrated his first-blood point with gusto.
American English
- That first-blood kill gave her a significant gold advantage in the game.
- It was a first-blood win, but the match was far from over.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"In the bidding war, our firm drew first blood with a surprisingly aggressive offer."
Academic
"The historian argued that the assassination was the first blood of a long and terrible conflict."
Everyday
"Our team scored first blood in the pub quiz with a correct answer on geography."
Technical
"In esports commentary, 'first blood' is a crucial event that shifts momentum and gold distribution."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first blood”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first blood”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first blood”
- Using it for non-competitive first actions (e.g., 'She drew first blood by making the coffee' – inappropriate unless framed as a light-hearted competition).
- Using 'a first blood' (article error – it's usually zero article: 'score first blood').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its primary modern use is metaphorical, referring to the first point or advantage in any competition (sports, business, debates). The violent/literal meaning is less common.
Yes, especially in informal and gaming contexts (e.g., 'He first-blooded his opponent'), but it's considered a neologism or jargon. The more standard phrasing is 'draw/scored first blood'.
It originates from hunting and dueling, literally meaning the first wound that draws blood, signifying the start of a fight and often determining its outcome or morale.
They are largely synonymous. 'Draw' slightly emphasises the act of causing the initial setback, while 'score' is more neutral and common in points-based games.
The initial point scored, the first victory in a competition, or the first person killed/injured in a conflict.
First blood is usually informal, but also used in formal contexts (e.g., historical, journalistic) in register.
First blood: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈblʌd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈblʌd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “First blood to [someone]”
- “The first blood is drawn”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a boxer landing the very first punch that causes a cut – that's drawing FIRST BLOOD, the initial sign of damage and advantage.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS WAR / CONFLICT (scoring first is akin to wounding an opponent first).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'first blood' be LEAST appropriate?