FIRST BASE Meaning and
Definition
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First base is a term commonly used in baseball and softball to refer to the initial station or position in the diamond-shaped playing field. As part of the infield, first base is situated near the foul line and is the first destination for a base runner after hitting or reaching base. It is placed to the right side of home plate, on the opposite side to third base. The role of first base is essential in the game, as it serves multiple functions.
First and foremost, first base is where the batter-runner is required to touch in order to be safe and reach as a base runner. When a batter hits a fair ball, the defense seeks to catch the ball and throw it to first base in order to force the batter-runner out. Furthermore, the first baseman acts as a receiver for throws from fielders, working to catch the ball and record an out by touching the base before the batter-runner reaches it. They are also responsible for fielding ground balls hit in their direction and are often positioned to cutoff throws from the outfield.
In addition to their defensive responsibilities, the first baseman can have an important offensive role as well. Typically, first basemen have strong hitting capacities and are often power hitters within the team's lineup. They aim to hit balls deep into the outfield or hit home runs, contributing to the team's scoring. As the initial base, first base plays a fundamental role in the game of baseball and signifies the start of a player's progress around the bases.
Common Misspellings for FIRST BASE
- dirst base
- cirst base
- virst base
- girst base
- tirst base
- rirst base
- furst base
- fjrst base
- fkrst base
- forst base
- f9rst base
- f8rst base
- fiest base
- fidst base
- fifst base
- fitst base
- fi5st base
- fi4st base
- firat base
- firstbase
Etymology of FIRST BASE
The etymology of the term "first base" comes from the sport of baseball. The term originated in the late 19th century as baseball rules and terminology were being refined. When describing the bases, "first base" referred to the initial or starting point on the base path for a baserunner. It was called "first" because it was the first base a runner encountered when running clockwise around the bases. Over time, the term "first base" was adopted more broadly in American English to refer to any initial stage or beginning point, not just in baseball. It became a metaphorical expression used in various contexts beyond the sport itself.
Idioms with the word FIRST BASE
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get to first base
The idiom "get to first base" typically refers to making initial progress or achieving the first step or level toward accomplishing a goal or developing a relationship. It originates from baseball, where "first base" is the first stop on the way to scoring a run. In a broader sense, it signifies moving forward from a starting point, although the specific context may vary depending on the situation.
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get to/reach first base
The idiom "get to/reach first base" typically refers to progress or advancement in a relationship or a task. It is often used in a romantic or sexual context, indicating the initial stages of physical intimacy, specifically kissing or light physical contact. In a broader sense, it can also refer to making progress or achieving an initial milestone in any endeavor or situation.
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get to first base (with sm or sth)
The idiom "get to first base (with someone or something)" typically refers to making progress or achieving a basic level of success in a particular situation or relationship. It is often used in a romantic context, suggesting that someone is able to establish a closer connection or achieve initial success in pursuing a romantic or sexual relationship with another person.
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not get to first base (with something/somebody)
The idiom "not get to first base (with something/somebody)" is an informal expression that originates from the game of baseball. In baseball, "getting to first base" refers to the first step or the initial accomplishment. When this expression is used figuratively, it means to fail to make any progress towards a goal or to have no success in a particular endeavor, especially when attempting to establish a relationship or advance a situation. It implies that the person is unable to move beyond the first stage or is not able to achieve any meaningful results.
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reach first base
The idiom "reach first base" is often used in the context of dating or romantic relationships. It refers to successfully initiating physical contact or achieving a certain level of intimacy with a potential partner. This phrase has its origins in baseball, where "first base" is the initial step or milestone towards scoring a run.
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get to first base (with someone or something)
The idiom "get to first base (with someone or something)" refers to making initial progress or achieving a basic level of success in a particular endeavor, relationship, or task. It often implies gaining the first point of achievement or approval before further advances can be made. The phrase originated from baseball, where getting to first base is the first step towards scoring a run. In a metaphorical sense, it suggests completing an initial stage successfully, but needing to make further progress to achieve the ultimate goal.
Similar spelling words for FIRST BASE
- first reading,
- first person,
- first estate,
- first cousin,
- First Reich,
- first mate,
- first grade,
- first class,
- first step,
- first balcony,
- first quarter,
- first state,
- first-rater,
- first-pass metabolism,
- first sacker,
- first water,
- first aid,
- first cause,
- first-rate,
- first half,
- first baseman,
- first blush,
- first of all,
- first period,
- first crusade,
- first lady,
- first-class,
- first gear,
- first team,
- first-pass effect,
- firsthand,
- first off,
- first moment,
- first strike,
- first name,
- first degree.
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