first port of call

first port of call

The first place where one stops to visit, accomplish something, or begin a process. Taken from nautical terminology, referring to the first port that a seafaring vessel calls in to at the beginning of a voyage. The president's first port of call on his re-election campaign will be his hometown. If your passport is lost while traveling abroad, your first port of call should be your home country's consulate or embassy. Paris will be our first port of call on our trip through Europe.
See also: call, first, of, port
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • for a start
  • be first out of the box
  • first in, best dressed
  • first refusal
  • refusal
  • first and foremost
  • foremost
  • give (someone) the first crack at (something)
  • at first
  • have (the) first crack at (something)
References in periodicals archive
The 20-year-old was expected to come to Scotland to train with Aberdeen but has made Ibrox his first port of call and was training with Walter Smith's side yesterday.
Football: Gers look to Lapira
My first port of call was the Museum, where I was fascinated with one exhibit in particular.
Letter: Clock the past
FOR those seeking employment or a change of scene the local job centre should be their first port of call. It offers a comprehensive list of both national and local jobs plus the largest job database in the country.
Jobcentre is place to go
If Ashton is going anywhere, the first port of call is likely to be Anfield before anyone else gets the chance to lay their hands on a teenager with a touch of the young Alan Shearer about him.
McNULTY- GIVING IT TO YOU STRAIGHT
"It will help make Temple Bar's cobbled streets a more pleasant place for residents, businesses and of course, tourists, for whom this area is often the first port of call in Dublin."
Butt vacuum hits streets
FOR expert advice and the largest range of plants, a specialist nursery could be your first port of call, but any good garden centre should have plenty to choose from.
Choosing Plants; GARDENING
THE first port of call for all Elderpreneurs should be Learndirect's new advice service.
Mirror WORKS: Find the silver lining in your career cloud
Mr McConnell said: "Pharmacies, health centres and dental surgeries are the first port of call for most Scots using the NHS.
pounds 65m aid for NHS
Derry is the first port of call where she will drop anchor this weekend before heading to Belfast and back to Killybegs.
Jeanie on Irish tour
Tynemouth will be our first port of call Where we browse at the antique stalls The station will be packed with bargain hunters And other early morning punters Then it's off to Tynemouth Haven we go It's my favourite port of call as the children well know A round of ice creams are called for And perhaps a walk along the shore The children are now getting restless It's about time to go I would guess But not before the find a slot machine Which is every child's dream Then a last ride along the coast Then head home for a pint and Sunday roastGEORGE MCLANDERS
POEM OF THE DAY; The Coast
Also, your local pharmacies are a great first port of call for advice on a wide range of minor ailments and conditions.
IN BRIEF Safety advice for parents in summer
It's my job as the Liverpool FC correspondent to ensure that the ECHO is the first port of call for Reds fans across the globe.
James Pearce, Liverpool FC correspondent
"We want to be everyone's first port of call when searching for that something special for their home, garden or loved ones.
Homeware store opens
"We should be the first port of call for any young football player that wants in the first team because we have a clear pathway.
Ross wants Well to take chance on youngsters
Gareth - affectionately known as Charlie - is based in bulk milk reception and so is the first port of call for milk tankers arriving at the creamery.
Making SCC cheese for 65 [...]