一いち番ばん槍やり

noun

first to thrust a spear at the enemy

Historical military term for the warrior who was first to engage the enemy with a spear, earning great honor.

• 戦せん国ごく時じ代だい、一いち番ばん槍やりの功こう名みょうは武ぶ士しの誉ほまれとされた。

  In the Warring States period, the achievement of being the first to thrust a spear was considered a samurai's honor.

noun

first to achieve fame or merit

Figurative extension of the military sense: the first person to accomplish something noteworthy in any field, often used in business or competition.

• 新しん市し場じょうへの参さん入にゅうで一いち番ばん槍やりとなることを目め指ざしている。

  We aim to be the first to enter the new market.