つばをつける

expression, ichidan verb

call dibs; establish a claim

Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to spit on something' (to mark it as one's own). Used informally when someone claims something before others can take it.

• 彼かれはその席せきに唾つばをつけた。

  He called dibs on that seat.

• いいアイデアにはすぐに唾つばをつけるべきだ。

  You should quickly claim a good idea as your own.