first and last

Idioms  

1. Under all circumstances, always, as in She was an artist first and last. (For a synonym, see above all.) This expression, first recorded in 1589, should not be confused with the similar-sounding from first to last, which means “from start to finish” or “throughout,” as in We cheered them on from first to last.

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Example Sentences

This year, they will simultaneously serve multiple dishes during the first and last course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

He painted "California" in early 1961, shortly before he made his first and last trip to the United States for his debut exhibitions across the Atlantic, in New York and Los Angeles, it said.

From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025

The name of the label is thought to be derived from the first and last letters of the Cameron name, with the initials of the couple's four children in between.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

This is the first and last special ever taped by the budding comedian, who died in the midst of his headlining “Butterfly Effect” tour at age 28, following a history of congestive heart failure.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2025

Canarsie is the first and last stop on the L train, just like Darius said.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi