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Synonyms

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pulling up to Felema’s home in Baldwin Hills Estates, the first thing I saw was a Japanese garden tucked on the right side of the home’s facade.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The first thing to remember is that the Europa League winners qualify for the Champions League.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The first thing I did when we got home was to tie a leather rope across the room under the ceiling.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.