at first hand

1. Directly from the origin, without intervention or intermediary. For example, I prefer to hear his criticism at first hand, rather than having it passed on by my boss. This phrase uses hand in the sense of “person” (coming directly from one person). [First half of 1700s] Also see at second hand.

Example Sentences

"We know at first hand the consequences of severe budgetary constraints on education – we see them every day."

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In one of the ultimate dark ironies of this era, Trump himself has been charged under this law and knows its blunt force at first hand.

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As for the credibility of Israeli witnesses, who else — other than the early responders who encountered the victims at first hand — should be interviewed and quoted by anyone investigating this?

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"I experienced at first hand a rather pathetic attempt by an agent provocateur to put me in a great deal of trouble," he said.

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"I saw young people learning at first hand about something that so easily could become redundant and irrelevant."

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