first thing

Idioms  

1. Before anything else; without delay. For example, Tom was supposed to call him first thing in the morning. [Late 1500s] Also see under first and foremost; first off.

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Example Sentences

The first thing Liu did when she was crowned as the new Olympic champion was hug Nakai, who was in shock when the score was announced.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's not a big issue. He batted really well in the nets last night, which is the first thing you look at," said ten Doeschate of Abhishek.

From Barron's

The lowest temperatures first thing are expected across parts of eastern Scotland.

From BBC

Many places will be dry first thing, but the weather is set to turn much more unsettled during the day.

From BBC

If a boat found its way in through the maze of the reef, Shell Beach would be the first thing it would see.

From Literature