at first hand

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

Juan Carlos said he wrote the memoirs so that young people "can learn about the recent history of your country without distortions, told by someone who lived through the transition at first hand".

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025

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?

From Seattle Times • Mar. 7, 2024

He had, he said, “seen at first hand the effects of a most grievous fault.”

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2022

As a junior doctor who returned to the hospital after the coronavirus pandemic led to an NHS rallying cry for help, she has seen suffering at first hand at St John's Hospital, Livingston.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2021

He knew how shocking the destruction of that world had been, for he had experienced it at first hand.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton