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Processed with VS1Learn how to talk about getting the first chance to choose something—and when claiming it may feel unfair.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“First dibs” means the first chance to take or choose something. The episode also distinguishes having permission to choose first from simply calling dibs.
Cultural note: Calling dibs can sound playful among friends, but it does not create a real right to someone else’s property. Check that others agree before treating a claim as settled.
Keep exploringWanting the first choice is common; agreeing on who gets it is what keeps things fair.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Use first dibs when someone has priority.
Meaning
Have the first chance to get or choose something.
Tone & use
Use “on” before the thing. It often describes an agreed priority, such as an early chance to buy tickets.
Example
“Returning volunteers have first dibs on the workshop places.”
Meaning
Be given the first opportunity to choose or take something.
Tone & use
Often used when a person is offered priority before the item is made available to others.
Example
“The neighbor got first dibs on the spare desk before it went online.”
Meaning
Let someone choose before other people.
Tone & use
This makes clear that the priority is being offered by someone with authority to offer it.
Example
“I gave my sister first dibs on the extra concert ticket.”
Know the difference between being offered priority and announcing it yourself.
Meaning
Say that something belongs to you or that you have a right to it.
Tone & use
More formal and stronger than “call dibs”; use only when there is a reasonable basis for the claim.
Example
“He claimed the lost umbrella after identifying his initials on the handle.”
Use the phrase without ignoring other people’s needs or rights.
Meaning
Announce that you want to claim or choose something first.
Tone & use
Very casual and playful. It may be seen as selfish if the item is valuable or other people have an equal claim.
Example
“Maya called dibs on the window seat, so the others chose their places next.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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