have dibs on (something)

have dibs on (something)

To have the rights to something, or the rights to have first choice of something. "Dibs" are usually claimed verbally. Hey, I had dibs on being first in line!See also: dibs, have, on

have dibs on something

to reserve something for oneself; to claim something for oneself. (Often said by children.) I have dibs on the last piece of cake. John has dibs on the last piece again. It isn't fair.See also: dibs, have, on

have dibs on

Have a first claim on something, as in If you don't want it, I have dibs on the next available apartment. This term was originally schoolyard slang. [c. 1930] See also: dibs, have, on