first thing

Idioms  

1. Before anything else; without delay. For example, Tom was supposed to call him first thing in the morning. [Late 1500s] Also see under first and foremost; first off.

---

Example Sentences

We all doomscroll, which is kind of bad to say, but the first thing I check is my phone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The former prime minister is quoted as saying: "The first thing I did upon becoming prime minister was to install air conditioners in buildings where the civil service worked. This was key to public efficiency."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The first thing patients should check is if their insurance covers GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

On affordability, the first thing people here think about is rent.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

“My uncle’s coming in four days,” Jeff said on the bus first thing Tuesday morning.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott