on a first-name basis

1. Quite familiar and friendly, as in Practically all the guests were on a first-name basis. This idiom alludes to the fact that using a person's given name betokens familiarity. [Second half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

She’s a diminutive talent on a first-name basis with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.

From Los Angeles Times

It was only his first game in purple and gold since being stolen from the Dallas Mavericks nine days ago, yet Luka Doncic and the Laker fans were already on a first-name basis.

From Los Angeles Times

As Cressy drove up the street, Daryl Gross stopped to talk with her neighbor whom she didn’t quite know on a first-name basis.

From Los Angeles Times

Tom Girardi was on a first-name basis with senators from California to North Carolina.

From Los Angeles Times

He was soon on a first-name basis with then-Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid.

From Los Angeles Times