first thing off the bat first thing off the bat {adv. phr.} Immediately; at once. He called home from Paris first thing off the bat as he stepped off the plane. Categories: add yours {adv. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: F Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Leave my opinion