english
1
general::
In addition to the idioms beginning with FIRST, Also see AT FIRST; AT FIRST BLUSH; AT FIRST HAND; CAST THE FIRST STONE; GET TO FIRST BASE; IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED; IN THE FIRST PLACE; IN THE (FIRST) FLUSH OF; LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT; NOT KNOW BEANS (THE FIRST THING); OF THE FIRST WATER; ON A FIRSTNAME BASIS.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
noun (also first gear) lowest gear on a bicycle/vehicle VERB + FIRST engage She engaged first gear and pulled off. | get into, move into, slam into As he moved into first the gear-lever knob came off in his hand. | put sth into Put the car into first and pull off slowly. | find It's very difficult to find first on this car. PREP. in ~ There was something wrong with the gearbox and I had to drive all the way home in first. highest level of university degree ADJ. double She did Philosophy and English Literature and got a double first. VERB + FIRST be awarded, gain, get, obtain PREP. ~ in He got a first in modern history.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
3
general::
adj.
original:
My first Christmas was 1931.
adv.
initially:
The need came first.
Simple Definitions
4
general::
first/firstly
used when mentioning the first in a list of reasons, arguments, or questions to consider:
• I want you to consider these three points in your essay: first, what is the writer’s attitude to the war in this poem ... • There are several reasons for this conclusion. Firstly ...
first of all
used especially to emphasize that the first of several things you are going to say is the most important thing:
• The content of the article must, first of all, be accurate. • First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last two years.
in the first place
spoken ( also for a start British English ) spoken used when giving the first and most important reason or example, especially when you are arguing or discussing something with someone:
• Our main priority should be better public transport – in the first place to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads. • He’s not the right person for the job. For a start he’s too young.
to begin with/to start with
spoken used when telling someone the first and most important thing that you want to say:
• There are numerous activities on offer. To start with there are over 60 miles of walks with splendid views. • Let me tell you something about him. To begin with, he is the most difficult man that I know.
Longman-Thesaurus