give first dibs on vs have first dibs on

Both "give first dibs on" and "have first dibs on" are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable depending on the context, with a slight difference in perspective: "give first dibs on" implies granting someone priority, while "have first dibs on" indicates possessing the priority.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 810 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"give first dibs on"

This phrase is used when someone is offering or granting priority to someone else for something, such as an opportunity or choice.

Examples:

I'll give you first dibs on the new product before it's released to the public.
She gave her sister first dibs on choosing the movie for movie night.

Show examples from the web [+]

We'll give them first dibs on the mixed-use space.
I'll give you first dibs on s'mores.
Falcone gives Victor Zsasz first dibs on every new contract.
You give me a first-dibs call on future break-ins?
Because we need to get first dibs on a statement.
I don't get first dibs on anything, but now we are the number one couple.
You know I have first dibs on designer everything.
I had first dibs on your desk.
You get first dibs on customer ups.
I called first dibs on Decker!
You've got first dibs on the angry mob.
Feels like everybody else got first dibs on this one.
Thanks to this generous donor, we've got first dibs on two prime femurs, two sweet tibias, and enough cartilage for a dozen transplants.
I've got first dibs on Owen.
Plus they - they do get first dibs on centerpieces.
In exchange for first dibs on any info we do uncover.
I don't get first dibs on anything, but now we are the number one couple.
Man, I got first dibs on the shower.
As the captain's new art buyer, I have to go schmooze this up-and-coming artist, Strickland Stevens, so we get first dibs on all his new stuff.
Patient siberia gets first dibs on a kidney Because he's some v.I.P. With oodles of cash.

Alternatives:

offer first dibs on
grant first dibs on
provide first dibs on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"have first dibs on"

This phrase is used when someone is in possession of the priority for something, indicating that they have the first choice or opportunity.

Examples:

I have first dibs on the concert tickets because I bought them early.
She always has first dibs on the best desserts at the party.

Show examples from the web [+]

You know I have first dibs on designer everything.
You can have first dibs on mouth-to-mouth.
Falcone gives Victor Zsasz first dibs on every new contract.
Because we need to get first dibs on a statement.
I don't get first dibs on anything, but now we are the number one couple.
I had first dibs on your desk.
You get first dibs on customer ups.
I wanted you to have first dibs.
I called first dibs on Decker!
You've got first dibs on the angry mob.
Feels like everybody else got first dibs on this one.
We'll give them first dibs on the mixed-use space.
Thanks to this generous donor, we've got first dibs on two prime femurs, two sweet tibias, and enough cartilage for a dozen transplants.
I've got first dibs on Owen.
Plus they - they do get first dibs on centerpieces.
In exchange for first dibs on any info we do uncover.
I'll give you first dibs on s'mores.
I don't get first dibs on anything, but now we are the number one couple.
Man, I got first dibs on the shower.
I just need to feel like I have first dibs.

Alternatives:

possess first dibs on
hold first dibs on
retain first dibs on

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give first dibs on vs have first dibs on