( informal , especially NAmE ) to fail to make a successful start in a project, relationship, etc.; to fail to get through the first stage
NOT GET TO FIRST BASE (WITH STH/SB)
Meaning of NOT GET TO FIRST BASE (WITH STH/SB) in English
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005