first blood

Definition

The condition in a duel in which the first one to draw blood from the other wins.

Example Sentences

• "Sayers won first blood by cutting Crouch's right eye, and the battle by knocking his man out with a nose-ender in 12 minutes 28 seconds, 6 rounds being fought."
• "Rambo - They drew first blood, not me. Trautman - Look Johnny, let me come in and get you the hell out of there! Rambo - They drew first blood... Trautman - Rambo, are you still reading me? Covey leader to Raven! Rambo! Acknowledge! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083944/quotes"
• "Johnston, meanwhile, has managed to get within five miles of its target, and fires a full spread of ten torpedoes. Minutes later, at least two, possibly three, tear the bow off the hapless cruiser Kumano. First blood, unbelievably, therefore, goes to the Americans."