first off

Idioms  

1. From the start, immediately. For example, He said to wash the car first off, or Why wasn't she told first off? [Colloquial; late 1800s] Also see under first and foremost; first thing.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

first off

Play “ready golf”: Stop worrying about who has the honor to hit first off the tee.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026

This angry, green-skinned figure was owned by a child whose mother knew someone who worked for Denys Fisher, and purchased one of the first off the production line.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2025

Well, I would like to say first off, that science is and should be for absolutely everyone, regardless of your political affiliation.

From Salon ● Oct. 8, 2024

Before that, Kayleigh had started, with Kaylynne the first off the bench for the Zags.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 28, 2024

“I understand you’re out of work,” the government man said first off.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz