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

See Examples For:

at first hand

Thirty-one-year-old Sitaram Tandel, from a small fishing village in India's Gujarat state, saw the danger at first hand while aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

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

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 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

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

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2023

So, by permission of the authorities and with your help, I am coming here to learn what I can at first hand ...

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover