first port of call
The phrase "first port of call" originates from maritime language and is now commonly used to describe the initial place or contact in various processes.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Nautical
(technical)The first port a vessel stops at after beginning its voyage.
Example
- After leaving the harbor, their first port of call was Lisbon for supplies.
B2General
(idiomatic)The first place or person to visit or contact when starting a process.
Example
- When looking for a new job, your first port of call should be updating your resume.
- If you have any issues, the help desk should be your first port of call.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "first port of call":
port of callport of entrystarting pointat the high portfirst thing