Pronunciation: [fˈɜːst blˈʌd] (IPA) 
The spelling of "first blood" follows the rules of English phonetics. The word "first" is spelled with the /f/ sound followed by the vowel sound /ɜːr/. The word "blood" starts with the consonant sound /b/ and ends with the vowel sound /ʌd/. The stress is on the first syllable of each word. The IPA transcription is /fɜːst blʌd/. "First blood" is often used to describe the initial victory or success in a contest or situation.
First blood" is a phrase commonly used metaphorically to describe the initial act of violence or retaliation in a conflict or competition. Derived from the literal concept of shedding blood for the first time in a conflict, it has come to signify gaining an advantage or making the first successful move in a particular situation.
In the context of conflicts such as personal disputes, sports, or even video games, "first blood" refers to the moment when one party or team inflicts physical or metaphorical damage upon their opponent, thus becoming the first to achieve a notable victory. This symbolic victory can have various implications, including psychological advantage, momentum, or setting the pace for further interactions.
The term is particularly prevalent in the realm of competitive activities, as scoring the first point or achieving a significant milestone early on can boost morale and put the opposing side at a psychological disadvantage. In video games and sports, "first blood" often indicates the first successful elimination or scoring action, and it may sometimes shape the dynamics and future actions of the participants.
"First blood" is not restricted to physical altercations but can also extend to other domains such as business, politics, or negotiations. Here, it usually represents the first significant achievement or successful maneuver that sets the stage and gives an individual or group an early advantage to leverage throughout the course of the interaction or competition.
Overall, "first blood" encapsulates the idea of gaining an early victory or advantage that can have a lasting impact in various contexts, ranging from physical confrontations to intellectual battles.
The etymology of the phrase "first blood" can be traced to Middle English. The word "first" derives from the Old English word "fyrst", meaning "foremost" or "earliest". The term "blood" originates from the Old English "blōd". When combined, "first blood" refers to the initial shedding of blood in a conflict or a contest. The phrase gained popularity and became a common expression used to denote the first injury or victory in a competition or confrontation.
