first blood

noun

1. the first killing or wounding in a fight or war
2. the first damage or reverse inflicted on an opponent in a conflict

Example Sentences

The Springboks drew first blood and, given it was so early, it was a grim beginning for Scotland.

From BBC

The young lords have drawn first blood in a war that threatens the entire nation — Nagakado for family pride, Omi for pure ambition.

From New York Times

That much he has in common with the “First Blood” version of Sylvester Stallone’s John Rambo circa 1982; he's also infuriated by cruelty to dogs like "John Wick."

From Salon

Not long after the Chilean film “The Settlers” opens — after the first shot has been fired and the first blood spilled — an aristocratic-looking horseman rides up to some workers on a grassy plain.

From New York Times

The first season concluded with King Aegon II’s faction of Targaryens — known as the Greens — drawing first blood against the Blacks, those loyal to Rhaenyra, by killing her son Lucerys and jump-starting a devastating war that will eventually be known as the “Dance of the Dragons.”

From Los Angeles Times