have first call

have first call on (something)

1. To have the rights to something. Hey, let your little brother have first call on riding shotgun in the car for once.2. To take top priority in a particular situation. This is a huge case for our firm, so it has first call on my time right now.See also: call, first, have, on

have first ˈcall (on somebody/something)

be the most important person or thing competing for somebody’s time, money, etc. and be dealt with or paid for before other people or things: The children always have first call on her time.See also: call, first, have