at first hand
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.
Nearby words
at every turn, at face value, take, at fault, at first, at first blush, at first hand, at full tilt, at gunpoint, at half-mast, at hand, at heart
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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