promise your first born

[maiabulela]

Dear all,

What is the meaning of "Have you promised your first born to somebody" if not meant literally? Can you provide some examples, please?

There are two friends, one of them has come back from a very tough task of collecting old newspapers. So the other told him that!

Thanks.

[konungursvia]

It is ironic and means "making huge sacrifices or promising to do so." For example, if I say to you: "I'll go and buy you some cigarettes, if you'll give me your Mercedes." Answer: "Oh, do you want my first born too?"

[Rover_KE]

In this sense, one word should be used - firstborn.

Rover