first crack at

the first crack at (something)

The first chance to do something. I let them have the first crack at producing my film, but they weren't interested, so I took my script to another studio.
See also: crack, first
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*first crack at something

Fig. the first opportunity at doing, fixing, or having something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~; take ~; want ~.) I'll take the first crack at it, and if I can't do it, you can try.
See also: crack, first
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • have (the) first crack at (something)
  • give (someone) the first crack at (something)
  • get the first crack at (something)
  • refusal
  • first refusal
  • give (one) (the right of/to) first refusal
  • want the first crack at (something)
  • be first out of the box
  • first in, best dressed
  • be the first (person) to (do something)
References in periodicals archive
EGAN BERNAL (+ 2min 2sec): Still in with a genuine chance, but Team Ineos likely to give Thomas first crack at retaining his crown.
THE SIX WHO COULD WIN IT
He's one of the nicest guys in football so he deserves this first crack at management.
My pal's a Roarie hunter
PLDT will aim to end Air Force's bid on its first crack at the Spikers' Turf Open Conference crown on Tuesday at Blue Eagle gym in Quezon City.
Power Hitters try to finish off Agilas
San Beda gets the first crack at NU as the Red Spikers tangle with the Lady Bulldogs, who swept the Far Eastern U Lady Tams to clinch the inaugural PVL crown last year, in the 4 p.m.
PVL Collegiate conference fires off at Flying V Center
Used to playing for the De La Salle Green Archers, Ricci Rivero will have his first crack at taking them on when the Filoil summer league resumes this Friday.
WATCH: Ricci Rivero looking forward to playing vs La Salle
TOP Gamble is set for a first crack at the Grand National fences in the Randox Health Topham Chase at Aintree Racecourse on April 13.
Kerry set to take Aintree Gamble with Top
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers are giving Wisconsin residents first crack at tickets for home games against the Chicago Cubs.
Cubs fans will have to wait to get tickets to games in Milwaukee-BYLN- Associated Press
EDIN CITY v STENNY JAMES McDONAUGH is relishing his first crack at management as he plots a Scottish Cup win over Stenhousemuir tonight.
Edinfora biggame
Today's 194km stage from Ambert to Le Teil is likely to give the sprinters a chance to shine and young Frenchman Arnaud Demare is odds-on to reach the line first as he tunes up for his first crack at the Tour de France.
Froome dominating; cycling
30 ( ANI ): Formula One ace Jenson Button will reportedly run six times around the F1 track in Abu Dhabi this week to prepare for his first crack at a marathon.
Button to run 6 laps of Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina F1 track in bid to train for December marathon
South Dakotans will get first crack at the vacant jobs, but after 30 days, Manpower will step in to help fill them.
5 jobs aplenty
Now he's keeping his promise to give the party with the most seats and largest share of the vote first crack at forming a government.
Write off Mr Brown at your peril
NEVER afraid to tackle something different, this company can feel pleased with their first crack at the musical version of Billy Liar.
Funny fibs; REVIEW: BILLY Brownhills Musical Theatre Company Lichfield Garrick
Norio Kimura's first crack at the WBA super lightweight crown ended in defeat Saturday after the Japanese fighter lost a unanimous decision to defending champion Andreas Kotelnik of Ukraine.
Boxing: Kimura fails in bid to win WBA super lightweight crown