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单词 first
释义
first1 adjectivefirst2 adverbfirst3 nounfirst4 pronoun
firstfirst1 /fɜːst $ fɜːrst/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective Entry menu
MENU FOR firstfirst1 in a series2 for the first time3 main4 in the first place5 in the first instance6 at first glance/sight7 first things first8 (at) first hand9 first prize/place10 first choice11 first thing12 at first light13 make the first move14 not have the first idea about something15 the first flush of something16 job title17 first among equals18 of the first water
Word Origin
WORD ORIGINfirst1
Origin:
Old English fyrst
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • I've only read the first chapter, but it seems like a really good book.
  • I read the first chapter and got so scared I couldn't finish the book.
  • I still remember my first day of school.
  • Jenkins left his first wife after only two years of marriage.
  • Laurie's name was first on the list.
  • Our first priority is to maintain the quality of the product.
  • Put the first five ingredients into a large pot and simmer gently for an hour.
  • She had her first baby in 1998.
  • She made her first appearance on the stage in the 1950s.
  • the first Monday of every month
  • The first thing I ever had published was an article for the Boy Scout magazine.
Thesaurus
Longman Language Activatorhappening, existing, done etc first
before everyone or everything else: · Laurie's name was first on the list.· I still remember my first day of school.· She had her first baby in 1998.· I've only read the first chapter, but it seems like a really good book.· The first thing I ever had published was an article for the Boy Scout magazine.
before you do any other things, or before anything else happens: · I always read the sports page of the newspaper first.· Shall we go out now, or do you want to eat first?· I'll help you with your homework, but first let me finish the dishes.
at the beginning, before other events or actions - use this especially to say what you should do or what you did do first: · First of all, fry the onions.· First of all, let me welcome everyone to the meeting.· First of all I went to tell my wife and then my daughter and son-in-law what had happened.
use this about something that existed at the beginning, especially before a lot of things were changed: · The house still has its original stone floors.· Our original plan was to go camping, but it was pouring with rain.
use this to talk about what happened at the beginning of a process or activity or what someone felt at the beginning, especially when this changes later: initial response/reaction/feeling etc: · My initial reaction was one of complete disbelief.· After the initial shock, people adjusted to the new circumstances.initial difficulties/problems/setbacks etc: · Initial difficulties with the computer system were soon fixed.initial stage/trial/step etc: · I was only involved in the initial stages of the planning.· Classes in gun handling are recommended as the initial step for those who want to own a handgun.
happening or existing before all others: · "The Comedy of Errors" is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays.· The earliest form of transport was probably some kind of sledge.· Ginger was one of the earliest oriental spices known to Europeans.
use this to say that something happens that has never happened before: the first time (that): · The first time I went on a plane I was really nervous.· It was the first time that she had seen her mother cry.for the first time: · For the first time, representatives from the two countries will talk at a conference table.
something that is unprecedented has never happened before and is usually unexpected: · An unprecedented number of cars entered the race.· The police took the unprecedented step of publishing the victim's photograph.· The depression that started in mid-1929 was a catastrophe of unprecedented dimensions for the United States.
first in a race or competition
to be the person who wins a race or a competition: · Jones came first in the 200 metres.· Maryam was first to cross the line, in just 12 seconds.· Krzystof finished first among the 147 professional cyclists.
when something is the first thing you want to say
spoken say this to introduce the first fact, reason, or question, when you are going to mention several more things: · I wanted to change schools, firstly because I didn't like the teacher and secondly because it was too far away.· First, may I say that I am extremely grateful for the trust my colleagues have put in me.· African leaders are worried, firstly about the official flow of aid, and also about levels of private investment.
spoken say this when the reason you are giving first is the most important one: · Freddy, first of all, I didn't flirt with him. He flirted with me.· I called the book "Drum Planet" because first of all, there are drums in every culture.
spoken say this when your reason or fact is the most easy to see or understand: · To start with, one of the biggest problems in the classroom is that the kids don't get enough discipline at home.· Working at home is a good option, because, to begin with, what's the point of driving two hours a day just to sit in front of a computer?
also for a start British spoken say this when you are arguing or discussing something with someone and you are going to give the main reason that proves that what you are saying is true: · In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.· We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.· For a start, someone's sex should not matter in a job interview.
spoken say this when you are going to say something before you start the main part of a speech or talk to a group of people: · Before I start, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.· All right, before I start, could everyone please stand up and introduce themselves.
someone's first performance, appearance, or speech
someone's first public performance, especially in a play, a film or a sport: · "Little Man Tate" was Jodie Foster's directorial debut.debut for: · This is his debut for his new club, Manchester United.make your debut: · Charlie Chaplin made his film debut in 1913.
the first public performance of a play or film: · I've been invited to the premiere of the new Schliessman play.world premiere (=the first performance anywhere in the world): · Music-lovers gathered in Boston for the world premiere of Gershwin's opera, "Porgy and Bess".film/movie premiere: · "Singing in the Rain" begins with its stars attending a movie premiere.
: maiden voyage/flight/speech the first one that a particular ship, aircraft, or person makes: · The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.· Two jets crashed on their maiden flights last year.· The new prime minister admitted that her maiden speech had been too long.
: inaugural lecture/address/speech etc one that an important person does or makes when they first start a new job: · The inaugural address drew a large audience.· Professor Eston gave the inaugural lecture in 1860.
to do something that has never been done before
· The Spanish were the first to keep cattle in the American deserts.· She was the first to see the link between poverty and poor health.be the first person to do something · Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space.
to be the first to do something, especially something good or successful, which may encourage others to do something similar: · Once the Japanese had shown the way, manufacturers in other countries soon began to use robots on a large scale.lead the way in doing something: · The company has led the way in developing environmentally friendly products.
use this about something someone does or tries to do that no-one has ever done before: · The special effects in the movie included things that had never been done before.· Because of advances in technology, we are able to try something that has never been attempted before.
to be the first to invent or find a new method of doing something, and make it possible or easier for others to do the same: · He pioneered techniques for photographing moving objects.· Heart-transplant surgery was pioneered by Professor Christiaan Barnard.
using new and better methods or ideas for the first time: · Her pioneering work in the field of education will be remembered.· Cowley's pioneering development of modern emergency medicine helped save countless lives.
if someone or their work breaks new ground , their work is completely new and different from anything that existed before: · Roosevelt's social reform program broke new ground.· The album is enjoyable, but breaks no new ground.· There's a lot of new ground being broken in the field of genetic research.
British /mold American to be the first to do something in a different way from the way it was usually done before: · The governor urged teachers to break the mold in establishing new ways of teaching.· The new party promised to break the mould of British politics.
something that is the first
something that has never been done or achieved by anyone before and is therefore surprising or exciting: · If an animated film was nominated as best picture, it would be a first.a first in: · Roger Bannister's four-minute mile was a notable first in the history of athletics.· During the 1960's, the Soviet Union achieved a series of firsts in space exploration.a first for: · Delivering a baby on the job was a first for the two police officers.
the first model of something, especially of a machine or a new invention, that is often improved in later models: · No damage to the prototype aircraft was reported after its first test flight.prototype of: · Pilots have begun testing a prototype of the new aircraft.· The prototype of this particular computer was developed by an American in 1975.prototype for: · Within a year, the company expects to have a prototype for military use.
something such as a picture or a piece of writing that is not a copy but is the one produced for the first time by the artist or writer themselves: · I wasn't sure whether the portrait was an excellent copy or the original.· This is a photograph of the manuscript. The original is in the city museum.
first-generation computers, machines etc were the first ones of their type to be produced, and are the ones that later computers, machines etc of the same type are based on: · The first-generation digital televisions cost over $2000.· There were a variety of problems common to first-generation computer software programs.
basic ideas or principles
the basic ideas, principles, rules etc, on which something is based: the basics (of something): · I still haven't mastered the basics of English grammar.· You need to learn the basics before you can start writing your own music.get back to basics: · Unless we get back to basics in teaching, the standard of literacy will fall.
formal the most basic ideas, principles etc on which a subject is based: the fundamentals of: · This course provides an opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of film-making.· Police have launched a campaign to educate children about the fundamentals of traffic safety.
the most basic ideas, principles etc on which a subject is based, and which you need to understand first or consider first before you can learn any more: · No one can become a scientist without a knowledge of the first principles of mathematics.return/go back to first principles: · To understand Keynesian theory we have to return to first principles.
to happen or exist before someone or something else
· The paragraph says basically the same thing as the one that came before.come before something · The salad usually comes before the main course.· In the Greek alphabet, the letter delta comes before the letter epsilon.
formal to come just before something else in a pattern or series: · In English, the subject precedes the verb.· On vehicle licence plates in the UK, the numbers are preceded by a single letter.
if one historical event or object predates another, it happened or existed before it: · Many economic systems predate capitalism.predate something by 10/50/200 etc years: · The steam engine predates the internal combustion engine by at least 100 years.
if an event leads up to another event, it comes before it and often causes it to happen: · Monroe still refuses to talk about the events which led up to his resignation.· The book describes some of the events leading up to the First World War.
if one of two events comes first , it happens before the other event: · The rains came first, then the storms.
formal or written if an event is a prelude to a more important event, it happens just before it and often makes people expect it: · The air-strike was just a prelude to the invasion.· The revolution of 1789 was a prelude to a more just and equal society.
early in the morning
early in the morning: · I always wake up early when the weather's warm.· Early the next day, Jamie received a call from his mother.make an early start (=start an activity or journey early in the morning): · If we make an early start we should avoid the worst of the traffic.in the early hours (=during the first hours of the day, when most people are asleep): · The robbery took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.early bird (=someone who gets up early in the morning): · Jack was always an early bird; he did a lot of his work before dawn.
especially spoken if you do something first thing , you do it immediately after you get up or as soon as you start work: · I'll telephone her first thing, I promise.first thing tomorrow/Wednesday/in the morning etc: · Leave it on my desk and I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow.
informal use this to emphasize that something happens very early in the morning, when most people are still in bed: · My Dad used to get up at the crack of dawn every Sunday to go fishing.
if you get up bright and early , you get up very early in the morning, especially because there is something that you want to do: · Geoffrey was up bright and early on Saturday morning, and had everything packed before breakfast.· Waking bright and early, I went for a swim and took the dog for a walk.
the one you like better than any others
British /favorite American your favourite colour, food, teacher etc is the one you like more than all other colours, types of food etc: · My favourite colour is purple.· Who is your favorite singer?· Proceeds from the concert will go to the singer's favorite charities.
especially spoken to like something better than other things - use this especially when you are asking someone to choose or when you are choosing: · Which of these dresses do you like best?like something best: · I think I like the red one best.
formal the preferred method, plan etc is the one that people think is the best: · Steaming is the preferred method of cooking in Central Asia.· Seventeen percent of likely voters picked Stark as their preferred candidate.
the thing or person you like best and would choose first when you have several to choose from: · Frances was our first choice as a name for the baby.· Parents choosing schools for their children are rarely given their first choice.first choice for: · Atkins was the producers' first choice for the part of the maid.first choice of: · Twenty-six percent of the students said that teaching was their first choice of occupations.
when someone likes one thing or person rather than another: · There are definite regional preferences amongst our clients.· Oil or vinegar may be added for a more bland or sharp sauce, according to your preference.preference for: · Adams expressed her preference for New York, despite the fact that she's lived in California for six years.
to see someone or something
· I saw your brother in town this morning.· Have you seen my pen anywhere?· If you see either of these men, inform the police immediately.· Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?· When did you last see your dog?see somebody doing something · I saw Matt coming out of the cinema with Jane.· I first saw her feeding the ducks in the park.see somebody do something · She saw him get into a Porsche driven by a dark-haired woman.· I didn't see her arrive because I had my back turned.see who/what/where etc · It was too dark for her to see who the woman was.· Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?can see somebody/something · Shh! I can see someone moving in the bushes.see something with your own eyes (=see something or someone yourself, especially something strange or surprising) · 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!'
especially written to see someone or something for only a very short time, and not very clearly: · Rick caught sight of the driver's face as the car raced by.· Lynn caught a brief glimpse of herself in the mirror.
to suddenly see someone or something that you have been looking for, or something interesting or unusual: · A resident spotted a man sitting in his car watching the explosion and notified the police.· He was spotted in the Manhattan area in mid-May.· I spotted this article about it in the paper.
also clap eyes on British to see someone or something -- use this either when talking about the time when you first saw them, or when saying strongly that you have never seen them or never want to see them again: · This was the woman he was going to marry -- he knew it the moment he set eyes on her.· I'd never clapped eyes on the guy before in my life.· I hoped we would never set eyes on one another again.
to see something happen, especially an accident, a crime, or an important event: · Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attack.· The crash was witnessed by millions of viewers who were watching the race on TV.
especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· At least ten birds have been sighted feeding on the lake this year.· We sighted a fishing boat in the distance.
to be able to see someone or something clearly, even though you see them for only a very short time: get a good/proper look (at): · Hold it up to the light so I can get a proper look at it.· I don't think I could identify him. I didn't really get a good look.get a better look (at): · She stood on her toes to get a better look.get a close look (at): · I didn't get a close look at the driver, but I think he was middle-aged.· We drove into the prohibited zone, to get a closer look.
also see at first hand British if you see first hand something that is happening, you see it yourself, rather than being told about it by someone else: · Travelling in rural Thailand, I saw first hand the devastating effects of economic reform. · Central News has been to South America to see at first hand the lives that Oxfam hopes to improve.
to win a race, competition etc
to win a race, competition, election etc, for example by getting more points, votes etc than everyone else or by being the first to finish: · No-one really expected the Socialist Party to win.win a race/game/election etc: · Chang won the first set but lost the next two.· The competition was won by a Nigerian student.win a prize/medal/cup etc: · His book won the Pulitzer Prize for literature.· What would you do if you won $1 million?win by 6 votes/2 goals etc (=win by getting 6 votes etc more than the other person or team): · He went ahead of Nolan, winning by 15 seconds.win 4-2/20-12 etc (=use this to show the final result of a game): · Do you remember our first game of the season? We won 3-1.win at cards/chess/tennis etc: · She always wins at Scrabble.
also come first British to win a race or competition in which more than two people or teams are competing: · Who do you think will finish first?· The British team was first, followed closely by the Americans.· André Etienne came in first, having completed the course in record time.finish first/be first/come in first in: · An Australian runner came first in the marathon.· Sue finished first in two races -- the 50m backstroke and the 100m front crawl.
the position of the person or team that wins a race or competition: in first place: · Johnson finished in first place, narrowly ahead of Green.win first place in: · My greatest achievement was winning first place in the Young Artist competition.
British if a political party gets in , they win an election, and have the right to form a government: · Do you think Labour will get in again at the next election?
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 The first time I flew on a plane I was really nervous. In the first year, all students take five courses. He said the first thing that came into his head. the first step towards achieving a peace agreement There’s a meeting on the first Monday of every month.
 I only read the first two chapters of the book. It rained during the first few days of the trip.
 The first and last mountain I climbed was Mount Rundle (=it was the only mountain I ever climbed).
 Not for the first time she wondered how he coped with so many children.
 She won first prize in a painting competition.
 He was no longer in the first flush of youth.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps
 This unit teaches students how to administer first aid.
· I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it!
· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs.
 It may be less useful than it first appears.
· This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe.
(also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt.
· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow.
 discounts for first-time buyers
· In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise.
 She came first in the 200 metres.
 His horse came in second to last.
 a first-class compartment
· Stuart came second in the swimming competition.
(=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair.
(=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree.
(=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years.
 Freshmen have first dibs on dormitory rooms.
· The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes.
(=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent.
· The first edition was published in 1986.
 He plays regularly in the first eleven (=the best team of 11 players).
 His first encounter with Wilson was back in 1989.
(=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school.
(=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep.
 He finished second in the 100 metres, behind Ben Johnson.
 Being given first aid at the scene of the accident probably saved his life.
· We’re moving into a first-floor flat.
 It will be my first foray into local government.
 examinations taken in the fourth form
· The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear.
· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards.
(=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear.
· Profits doubled in the first half of the year.
 I fell head-first down the stairs.
 This was the first I’d heard of any trouble in the area (=I had just heard news of trouble for the first time).
(=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office.
(=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland.
· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue.
(=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count.
· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away.
· His first instinct was to try and hide.
(also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well.
· Where were you when you had your first kiss?
 I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
(=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war
(=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish.
 He must be first in line for the editor’s job.
· Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list?
(=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight.
· She had two children from her first marriage.
(=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning.
· She waited for Michael to make the first move.
(also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
(=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name.
(=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves.
· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison.
(=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.
· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood.
 She always gets first pick of the videos.
 My first port of call will be the post office.
· The package arrived by first-class post.
(=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30.
(=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles.
· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job.
· She won first prize in a poetry competition.
 in the last quarter of the 19th century
 The company’s profits rose by 11% in the first quarter of the year.
 The home side took the lead in the second quarter.
· I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened.
(also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race.
· His first reaction was to laugh.
 The book is quite difficult on first reading.
(=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners.
(=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble.
· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants.
(=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term.
· Their first task was to rebuild the wall.
British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team.
· On the last day of term we went home early.
· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off.
 Woosnam and Lyle tied for fourth place on 264.
 The second tier of the programme is in-house training.
· This is his first try at directing.
(=go along the first etc road) I think we took a wrong turn coming out of town. Take the second turn on the left.
· The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • After months of waiting, it was hardly love at first sight, he admits.
  • At first glance this will probably sound strange, yet there is a way in which it is also logical.
  • At first glance, it looked like unalloyed good news.
  • At first glance, the place seemed deserted.
  • It was love at first sight.
  • This is not as heretical a suggestion as it might seem at first sight.
  • What was inside the cradles at first sight terrified me.
  • Okay people, first things first: does everybody have their safety helmets?
  • Anyway, not to worry, first things first.
  • He declared that, in this situation, it was a case of first things first.
  • Students in the program are exposed first hand to college life.
  • The school deals first hand with all the problems of today's society.
  • Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
  • Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
  • Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
  • The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
  • These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
  • Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
  • Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
  • First prize was an award of $ 1, 500 for the biggest female killed during the year.
  • Even though Ausmus should never have been sent away in the first place.
  • In the first place, it deals with those elements in human nature which are timeless.
  • In the first place, it involves some actual power of control over the thing possessed.
  • In the first place, it was relativist; it proclaimed no value system as its basis; it lacked normative quality.
  • It is the towering, 103-foot cross atop city parkland that landed the measure on the ballot in the first place.
  • My family, my household, and my job all demand first place in my life!
  • This assumes that banks have surplus liquidity in the first place.
  • Atkins was the producers' first choice for the part of the maid.
  • Brittany was our first choice as a name for the baby.
  • Parents choosing schools for their children are rarely given their first choice.
  • Twenty-six percent of the students said that teaching was their first choice of occupations.
  • According to some sources Goh was not Lee's first choice for the succession; at least one other minister reportedly declined the post.
  • Because of its superior contrast capabilities magnetic resonance imaging is the current first choice technique for assessing instability of the cervical spine.
  • Carbamazepine is the drug of first choice.
  • Holly again would be my first choice.
  • Loose powder is the first choice of makeup artists because it's lighter than pressed and just disappears into your skin.
  • Some parents do have the luck to settle on their first choice, as we did.
  • Their first choice is not always available but the week should achieve the aim of broadening their horizons and their experience.
  • I'll call her first thing in the morning.
  • I'll telephone her first thing, I promise.
  • Leave it on my desk and I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow.
  • Sharon wants that report on her desk first thing tomorrow.
  • Double advanced mathematics first thing in the morning.
  • I will go to see Ken Hurren first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that Summerchild was working on defence.
  • In this case, the first thing to go was his appetite.
  • The first thing I saw when my eyes blinked into focus was an ant marching over a small stone.
  • The first thing to do is make sure the doors themselves are strong enough.
  • The first things that were provided were pubs and working men's clubs.
  • What is the last recollection before losing consciousness and the first thing recalled after regaining awareness?
  • The search continued at first light.
  • They left camp at first light and were in the mountains by nightfall.
  • A small flock of evening grosbeaks flew over, and at first light I heard chickadees and goldfinches.
  • It was black as night at new moon and white as frost at first light.
  • Mountain rescue teams continued the hunt overnight, and a full-scale search resumed at first light.
  • The ambush would leave its position the next morning, at first light, to return.
  • The Caribou took off at first light.
  • We have had trouble at first light with the Khmer Rouge.
  • Everybody's waiting for the other person to make the first move.
  • I'd always been attracted to her, but I was too shy to make the first move.
  • Neither side is willing to make the first move in the trade talks.
  • The employees made the first move to end the strike.
  • And in the matter of seduction itself, once more it is the male who is expected to make the first move.
  • And now Cambridge United, who recently sacked controversial manager John Beck, have made the first move.
  • He had decided to do nothing further for the present and leave it to Berowne to make the first move.
  • If they have upset you, perhaps they are hoping you will make the first move.
  • She was damned if she was going to make the first move.
  • Those weeks, not seeing him, wondering, too proud to make the first move.
  • We suggest you make the first move.
  • We were both trembling with desire, afraid to make the first move.
► not have the first idea about something
  • Could any one house be sufficiently interesting to fulfil this dual role after the first flush of passion passed?
  • In the first flush of glasnost much information was made available and deputies often asserted themselves aggressively.
  • Now aged 31, Cardus is no longer in the first flush of youth.
  • Pick off just the first flush of flowers from the ever-bearing kinds.
  • They are still in the first flush of lust and romance, when everything your partner does is absolutely bloody marvellous.
  • They are still in the first flush of passion.
  • We are getting divorced, after the first flush of twenties marriages.
  • Why had he and Zoe, in the first flush of affluence, decided the desirable residence was truly desirable?
  • At present, Akeakamai can understand sentences of up to five words, and can understand commands even when hearing them for the first time.
  • By hearing them, we recognise them and we also, perhaps for the first time, see them as strange.
  • It rained for the first time since we arrived in Sian today.
  • Remember, these twelve artistic masterpieces are now on collectors' plates for the first time.
  • She leans forward-and, for the first time since the first time-she kisses him.
  • That day, the skies had clouded and, for the first time, the weather was cooler.
  • The Federal Communications Commission began to regulate rates for the first time.
  • But Aggie was first among equals.
  • Cash is the first among equals.
  • The prime minister was primus inter pares in the cabinet-the first among equals.
  • And as for Barbara Hervey - she was a bore of the first water.
  • I should never have gone in the first place!
  • In the first place, New York is very cold in the winter, and in the second place I don't want to move anyway.
  • In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.
  • We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.
  • Well, in the first place, Quinn would never say such a thing.
  • And there is the question of the relevance of the trading of information in the first place.
  • But he came in the first place, to something he knew would be far beyond him.
  • He didn't remember being given that form; they had probably not even given it to him in the first place.
  • That's how the Richardson's got the Parrot in the first place.
  • The better approach, in my opinion, is to eat the right foods in the first place.
  • These women should never have been sent to prison in the first place.
  • This assumes that banks have surplus liquidity in the first place.
  • We robbed them of their land in the first place to reward the Annamese who collaborated with us.
  • We must act to prevent pollution in the first instance.
  • A limited contract for a few sessions, at least in the first instance, is always preferable.
  • It was not designed as a dwelling place in the first instance.
  • It will be screened in the first instance for Tory Party workers throughout Britain.
  • Making contact with the families in the first instance was the most difficult problem.
  • Smith regarded this distribution as depending in the first instance on relative bargaining strength.
  • Soviet forces were not, at least in the first instance, to be withdrawn unconditionally.
  • The decision should be made in the first instance as if it were easy to be made.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► first-grader/fourth-grader etc
  • Most people are nicer than you think they are on first acquaintance.
  • Route finding can also be difficult so caution is urged on first acquaintance.
  • Their interpretability, however, must not be exaggerated; their meanings are not necessarily wholly predictable on first acquaintance.
  • At first blush, this discovery seems to confirm his theory.
  • A.. The results here sound more grim at first blush than they really are.
  • That may sound strange at first blush.
► have first call on something► which came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • Compared to this little middle-aged lot, we didn't get to first base!
► murder in the first degree
  • These bags have been known to give people first-degree burns.
  • Broadus and Lee face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges.
  • How her conviction for first-degree murder affects her exposure to lesser murder charges is a matter for debate.
  • If convicted of first-degree murder Mr Markovic would face at least 10 years in prison.
  • Instead of being convicted of first-degree murder, Mitchell got six years for voluntary manslaughter.
  • She was charged with first-degree murder.
  • So the only issue before me is actual innocence of first-degree murder.
  • The prosecutor announced that if she died, he would charge Leyland with first-degree murder.
► the first family► the first floor► the first floor
  • And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
  • At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
  • Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
  • International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
  • It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
  • Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
  • Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
  • This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
► the first lady
  • Voice over Even the governor is on first name terms with the inmates, although the staff still keep a respectful distance.
► the first person► have/give somebody first refusal on something
  • Now aged 31, Cardus is no longer in the first flush of youth.
► leave feet first
  • Debbie is a sixth former at Abergele High School.
  • At first glance this will probably sound strange, yet there is a way in which it is also logical.
  • At first glance, it looked like unalloyed good news.
  • At first glance, the place seemed deserted.
  • Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
  • Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
  • Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
  • The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
  • These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
  • Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
  • Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
  • A limited contract for a few sessions, at least in the first instance, is always preferable.
  • It was not designed as a dwelling place in the first instance.
  • It will be screened in the first instance for Tory Party workers throughout Britain.
  • Making contact with the families in the first instance was the most difficult problem.
  • Smith regarded this distribution as depending in the first instance on relative bargaining strength.
  • Soviet forces were not, at least in the first instance, to be withdrawn unconditionally.
  • The decision should be made in the first instance as if it were easy to be made.
  • At first light on 7 June I checked the compass.
  • At the end of a long gash An atrocity through the lace of first light I sit with the reeking instrument.
  • But until first light, how would he fend off the terrors of the darkness?
  • In the pale first light of dawn I pulled off beside a lake in the state of Vera Cruz.
  • Sergio told us that upon entering the rapid his paddle had snapped in half on his first light stroke.
  • The Caribou took off at first light.
  • The first light of dawn found Joe in Lucy's basement room at the mews cottage.
  • We had some two hours sleep that night, then proceeded to align our position before first light.
► be first/second/next etc in line to the throne
  • Salad crops, however, are quick off the mark.
  • This time, they were slow off the mark.
  • And in the matter of seduction itself, once more it is the male who is expected to make the first move.
  • And now Cambridge United, who recently sacked controversial manager John Beck, have made the first move.
  • He had decided to do nothing further for the present and leave it to Berowne to make the first move.
  • If they have upset you, perhaps they are hoping you will make the first move.
  • She was damned if she was going to make the first move.
  • Those weeks, not seeing him, wondering, too proud to make the first move.
  • We suggest you make the first move.
  • We were both trembling with desire, afraid to make the first move.
► first night/opening night
  • Local farmers will get first option to buy land when the military base closes.
  • The first option is referred to as a world-wide contract, and the second is known as a territory-by-territory contract.
  • The first option is Shulamith Firestone's.
  • The first option is to extract water from subsurface permafrost and use that water directly in a nuclear or solar steam rocket.
  • The first option is to play the ball as it lies.
  • The first option was politically impractical, as close advisers like Georges Pompidou realized.
  • The first option was rejected, as in the past it has isolated the small group from the department.
  • The trouble with the first option, to simply end the war, was that Hanoi would not cooperate.
  • But I think I got into drama professionally in the first place by accident.
  • But it's even more of a comfort for baby if he doesn't get wind in the first place.
  • In the opening 250 race Robert Dunlop stayed well clear of a hectic battle for second place behind him.
  • In the second place, it involves some intention to maintain that control on the part of the possessor.
  • The firm which supplied the scaffold blames the boy's parents for letting him play there in the first place.
  • There is almost a tinge of predestination in footballers' reflections on how they came to sport in the first place.
  • We never enjoyed them in the first place.
  • Why had they come to this country in the first place?
  • And there is the question of the relevance of the trading of information in the first place.
  • But he came in the first place, to something he knew would be far beyond him.
  • He didn't remember being given that form; they had probably not even given it to him in the first place.
  • That's how the Richardson's got the Parrot in the first place.
  • The better approach, in my opinion, is to eat the right foods in the first place.
  • These women should never have been sent to prison in the first place.
  • This assumes that banks have surplus liquidity in the first place.
  • We robbed them of their land in the first place to reward the Annamese who collaborated with us.
  • But it is unwise to assume that parents will inevitably pose a problem when they are placed first.
  • Fiona Burgess was placed second with Jenny Dwyer improving on past form to gain third position.
  • Inside the bracket the symbol of the central atom is placed first.
► first-rate/second-rate/third-rate
  • A number of District Courts took the position on that issue that first resort should still be had to the Convention.
  • However, your first resort in any query concerning the verification process should be your systems verifier.
  • It will be seen that this falls somewhat short of the first resort approach, which the brief does not directly address.
  • More fundamentally, many courts failed to find a basis for the first resort approach.
  • The family was almost certainly the first resort.
  • The role of the state was to be changed so that it would offer help in the last rather than in the first resort.
► first-string/second-string etc
  • Double advanced mathematics first thing in the morning.
  • I will go to see Ken Hurren first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that Summerchild was working on defence.
  • In this case, the first thing to go was his appetite.
  • The first thing I saw when my eyes blinked into focus was an ant marching over a small stone.
  • The first thing to do is make sure the doors themselves are strong enough.
  • The first things that were provided were pubs and working men's clubs.
  • What is the last recollection before losing consciousness and the first thing recalled after regaining awareness?
  • By his second year, he said, nearly 30 schools were sending him letters.
  • Early in the first year his behaviour pattern was showing dips and troughs.
  • Everything about it has helped me to grapple with the intricacies of machine knitting in this, my second year.
  • He had discussed this throughout his first year but had found no solution.
  • In her second year, she met Edgar Lintot.
  • Oryx Energy, like Melville, made the list for a second year in a row.
  • That first year, by happy accident, the itinerary was set for every ride that has followed.
1in a series coming before all the other things or people in a series:  Ella was his first girlfriend.the first thing/time/day etc The first time I flew on a plane I was really nervous. In the first year, all students take five courses. He said the first thing that came into his head. the first step towards achieving a peace agreement There’s a meeting on the first Monday of every month.the first two/three/few etc I only read the first two chapters of the book. It rained during the first few days of the trip. The first and last mountain I climbed was Mount Rundle (=it was the only mountain I ever climbed).2for the first time used to say that something has never happened or been done before:  For the first time in his life he felt truly happy. The survey revealed that, for the first time, there are more women in the workplace than men. Not for the first time she wondered how he coped with so many children.3main most important:  Our first priority is to maintain the standard of work. As I see it, my first responsibility is to my family.4in the first place a)used to talk about the beginning of a situation, or the situation before something happened:  Why did you agree to meet her in the first place? He wouldn’t have given you the job in the first place if he didn’t think you could do it. b)written used to give the first in a list of reasons or points:  Her success was secured by two factors. In the first place, she had the support of managers.5in the first instance formal at the start of a situation or series of actions:  The appointment of research officer will be for two years in the first instance. Enquiries should be made in the first instance to the Human Resources Director.6at first glance/sight the first time that you look at someone or something, before you notice any details:  At first glance the twins look identical. At first sight, there didn’t appear to be much damage. → love at first sight at love2(2)7first things first used to say that something should be done or dealt with first because it is the most important8(at) first hand if you see, experience, hear etc something at first hand, you see, experience etc it yourself, not through other people:  Many people have seen the horrors of war at first hand. → first-hand9first prize/place the prize that is given to the best person or thing in a competitionwin/take first prize She won first prize in a painting competition.first of There is a first prize of £10,000.10first choice the thing or person you like best:  John was our first choice as a name for the baby.11first thing as soon as you get up in the morning, or as soon as you start work:  I’ll call you first thing tomorrow. We’re leaving first thing.12at first light literary very early in the morning:  The search will resume at first light tomorrow.13make the first move to be the person who starts to do something when someone else is too nervous, embarrassed etc to do it:  He was glad she had made the first move and kissed him.14not have the first idea about something (also not know/understand the first thing about something) to not know anything about a subject, or not know how to do something:  I wouldn’t have the first idea about what to do in that situation. I don’t know the first thing about cars.15the first flush of something the beginning of a good period of time when you are young, successful etcbe in the first flush of passion/youth etc He was no longer in the first flush of youth. The first flush of enthusiasm had passed.16job title used in the title of someone’s job or position to show that they have a high rank:  the first officer the First Lord of the Admiralty17first among equals officially on the same level as other people but really having more power18of the first water old-fashioned of the highest quality
first1 adjectivefirst2 adverbfirst3 nounfirst4 pronoun
firstfirst2 ●●● S1 W2 adverb Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • "Shall we go for some lunch?" "Yeah, great, let me just make a quick call first."
  • First, Jack would not allow it, and second, I don't think Mom would like it much either.
  • Add the onions and garlic first, then the mushrooms.
  • I'll help you with your homework, but first let me finish the dishes.
  • I always read the sports page of the newspaper first.
  • It's mine - I saw it first.
  • Johnson finished first in the 100-meter dash.
  • Shall we fill in the forms first, and get that out of the way?
  • Shall we go out now, or do you want to eat first?
  • Simmons' book was first published in Australia last year.
  • We first became friends when we were teenagers.
  • When I first heard about what happened, I thought it was a joke.
  • Who's going first?
  • You can borrow the book, but first I've got to find it.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • I first met Bobby when he enrolled in a summer program I had developed for underprepared students.
  • It was here that I first started to get a closer feel for what the military operations were.
  • Meanwhile, sociologists quote statistics that suggest that women who establish careers first have relatively small probabilities of getting married.
  • This strategy has worked best for those who were first in the cyber economy, the pioneers of the landless continent.
  • We have to think about that first, the Marlins second.
  • When she first became pregnant, she contemplated an abortion, but eventually gave birth.
  • Yet it was designed in the 1970s, and first flew in 1981; the technology is rooted in those days.
Thesaurus
THESAURUS
used when mentioning the first in a list of reasons, arguments, or questions to consider: · I want you to consider these three points in your essay: first, what is the writer’s attitude to the war in this poem ...· There are several reasons for this conclusion. Firstly ...
used especially to emphasize that the first of several things you are going to say is the most important thing: · The content of the article must, first of all, be accurate.· First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last two years.
spoken (also for a start British English) spoken used when giving the first and most important reason or example, especially when you are arguing or discussing something with someone: · Our main priority should be better public transport – in the first place to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads.· He’s not the right person for the job. For a start he’s too young.
spoken used when telling someone the first and most important thing that you want to say: · There are numerous activities on offer. To start with there are over 60 miles of walks with splendid views.· Let me tell you something about him. To begin with, he is the most difficult man that I know.
Longman Language Activatorhappening, existing, done etc first
before everyone or everything else: · Laurie's name was first on the list.· I still remember my first day of school.· She had her first baby in 1998.· I've only read the first chapter, but it seems like a really good book.· The first thing I ever had published was an article for the Boy Scout magazine.
before you do any other things, or before anything else happens: · I always read the sports page of the newspaper first.· Shall we go out now, or do you want to eat first?· I'll help you with your homework, but first let me finish the dishes.
at the beginning, before other events or actions - use this especially to say what you should do or what you did do first: · First of all, fry the onions.· First of all, let me welcome everyone to the meeting.· First of all I went to tell my wife and then my daughter and son-in-law what had happened.
use this about something that existed at the beginning, especially before a lot of things were changed: · The house still has its original stone floors.· Our original plan was to go camping, but it was pouring with rain.
use this to talk about what happened at the beginning of a process or activity or what someone felt at the beginning, especially when this changes later: initial response/reaction/feeling etc: · My initial reaction was one of complete disbelief.· After the initial shock, people adjusted to the new circumstances.initial difficulties/problems/setbacks etc: · Initial difficulties with the computer system were soon fixed.initial stage/trial/step etc: · I was only involved in the initial stages of the planning.· Classes in gun handling are recommended as the initial step for those who want to own a handgun.
happening or existing before all others: · "The Comedy of Errors" is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays.· The earliest form of transport was probably some kind of sledge.· Ginger was one of the earliest oriental spices known to Europeans.
use this to say that something happens that has never happened before: the first time (that): · The first time I went on a plane I was really nervous.· It was the first time that she had seen her mother cry.for the first time: · For the first time, representatives from the two countries will talk at a conference table.
something that is unprecedented has never happened before and is usually unexpected: · An unprecedented number of cars entered the race.· The police took the unprecedented step of publishing the victim's photograph.· The depression that started in mid-1929 was a catastrophe of unprecedented dimensions for the United States.
first in a race or competition
to be the person who wins a race or a competition: · Jones came first in the 200 metres.· Maryam was first to cross the line, in just 12 seconds.· Krzystof finished first among the 147 professional cyclists.
when something is the first thing you want to say
spoken say this to introduce the first fact, reason, or question, when you are going to mention several more things: · I wanted to change schools, firstly because I didn't like the teacher and secondly because it was too far away.· First, may I say that I am extremely grateful for the trust my colleagues have put in me.· African leaders are worried, firstly about the official flow of aid, and also about levels of private investment.
spoken say this when the reason you are giving first is the most important one: · Freddy, first of all, I didn't flirt with him. He flirted with me.· I called the book "Drum Planet" because first of all, there are drums in every culture.
spoken say this when your reason or fact is the most easy to see or understand: · To start with, one of the biggest problems in the classroom is that the kids don't get enough discipline at home.· Working at home is a good option, because, to begin with, what's the point of driving two hours a day just to sit in front of a computer?
also for a start British spoken say this when you are arguing or discussing something with someone and you are going to give the main reason that proves that what you are saying is true: · In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.· We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.· For a start, someone's sex should not matter in a job interview.
spoken say this when you are going to say something before you start the main part of a speech or talk to a group of people: · Before I start, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.· All right, before I start, could everyone please stand up and introduce themselves.
someone's first performance, appearance, or speech
someone's first public performance, especially in a play, a film or a sport: · "Little Man Tate" was Jodie Foster's directorial debut.debut for: · This is his debut for his new club, Manchester United.make your debut: · Charlie Chaplin made his film debut in 1913.
the first public performance of a play or film: · I've been invited to the premiere of the new Schliessman play.world premiere (=the first performance anywhere in the world): · Music-lovers gathered in Boston for the world premiere of Gershwin's opera, "Porgy and Bess".film/movie premiere: · "Singing in the Rain" begins with its stars attending a movie premiere.
: maiden voyage/flight/speech the first one that a particular ship, aircraft, or person makes: · The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.· Two jets crashed on their maiden flights last year.· The new prime minister admitted that her maiden speech had been too long.
: inaugural lecture/address/speech etc one that an important person does or makes when they first start a new job: · The inaugural address drew a large audience.· Professor Eston gave the inaugural lecture in 1860.
to do something that has never been done before
· The Spanish were the first to keep cattle in the American deserts.· She was the first to see the link between poverty and poor health.be the first person to do something · Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space.
to be the first to do something, especially something good or successful, which may encourage others to do something similar: · Once the Japanese had shown the way, manufacturers in other countries soon began to use robots on a large scale.lead the way in doing something: · The company has led the way in developing environmentally friendly products.
use this about something someone does or tries to do that no-one has ever done before: · The special effects in the movie included things that had never been done before.· Because of advances in technology, we are able to try something that has never been attempted before.
to be the first to invent or find a new method of doing something, and make it possible or easier for others to do the same: · He pioneered techniques for photographing moving objects.· Heart-transplant surgery was pioneered by Professor Christiaan Barnard.
using new and better methods or ideas for the first time: · Her pioneering work in the field of education will be remembered.· Cowley's pioneering development of modern emergency medicine helped save countless lives.
if someone or their work breaks new ground , their work is completely new and different from anything that existed before: · Roosevelt's social reform program broke new ground.· The album is enjoyable, but breaks no new ground.· There's a lot of new ground being broken in the field of genetic research.
British /mold American to be the first to do something in a different way from the way it was usually done before: · The governor urged teachers to break the mold in establishing new ways of teaching.· The new party promised to break the mould of British politics.
something that is the first
something that has never been done or achieved by anyone before and is therefore surprising or exciting: · If an animated film was nominated as best picture, it would be a first.a first in: · Roger Bannister's four-minute mile was a notable first in the history of athletics.· During the 1960's, the Soviet Union achieved a series of firsts in space exploration.a first for: · Delivering a baby on the job was a first for the two police officers.
the first model of something, especially of a machine or a new invention, that is often improved in later models: · No damage to the prototype aircraft was reported after its first test flight.prototype of: · Pilots have begun testing a prototype of the new aircraft.· The prototype of this particular computer was developed by an American in 1975.prototype for: · Within a year, the company expects to have a prototype for military use.
something such as a picture or a piece of writing that is not a copy but is the one produced for the first time by the artist or writer themselves: · I wasn't sure whether the portrait was an excellent copy or the original.· This is a photograph of the manuscript. The original is in the city museum.
first-generation computers, machines etc were the first ones of their type to be produced, and are the ones that later computers, machines etc of the same type are based on: · The first-generation digital televisions cost over $2000.· There were a variety of problems common to first-generation computer software programs.
before you do something or before something happens
before you do something or before an event happens: · The family left France just before the war.· Think carefully before you give your final answer.· Before I had a chance to say anything, David walked away.before doing something: · Before joining IBM, Frank worked for Toshiba.· You should check the oil before beginning a long car journey.before that: · We spent two years in Thailand, and before that we lived in China.· I was a waiter for six months, and before that I worked in a supermarket.a week/two days/five years etc before: · I was born just eleven months before my brother.
also ahead of time American if you do something beforehand or ahead of time , you do it before you do something else, especially to make the situation easier: · Let me know ahead of time if you need a ride to the airport.· We had agreed beforehand not to tell anyone else about our plans.
before you do something else: · Add the onions and garlic first, then the mushrooms.· "Shall we go for some lunch?" "Yeah, great, let me just make a quick call first."
if you do something in advance , you do it before another event happens, especially so that you are prepared: · Pasta salad is a dish that you can easily prepare in advance.· I wish you'd told me in advance that you were going to be late.in advance of: · Your passport application should be submitted well in advance of your departure.three days/six months/a year etc in advance: · Preparations for the president's visit had been made several months in advance.
: pre-war/pre-Christmas/pre-Roman etc before the war, Christmas etc: · Life in pre-war Britain was simpler and less fast-paced.· As usual, the government seems to have forgotten most of its pre-election promises.
formal before, especially before a particular event or date: · I spoke with Sarah prior to the meeting.prior to doing something: · The doctor should have told you about the possible side effects prior to starting you on the medication.
the time before an important event: · On the eve of the election, some of the candidates were showing signs of strain.· No-one claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred on the eve of the Prime Minister's visit.· Another round of TV debates will be held in the run-up to the referendum.
given or done before the time that a particular event takes place or before the time that something is expected to happen: · Aid workers say the village had no advance warning of the floods.· Advance bookings for the concert start today.· Airport visas may be obtained if forty-eight hours advance notice has been provided.
formal taking place before something else happens or before someone is allowed to do something: · The airline says that some flights may be cancelled without prior warning.· The phone company is required to give you prior notice before disconnecting your service.· The tenant must get the prior consent of the landlord before doing any redecorating in the flat.
to do something before someone else does it
if you do something, go somewhere, see something etc first , you do it before someone else: · It's mine - I saw it first.· Who wants to go first?· Sandy finished the puzzle first.
to be the first person to do a particular thing: · Many people have copied her style, but she was definitely the first.be the first/first to do something: · Of the four of us, my sister was the first to get married.
informal to get or do something before another person who is trying to do the same thing: · I was going to have that last piece of pie but somebody beat me to it.· When Charlie finally got down there to buy the car, he discovered that someone else had beaten him to it.
if you arrive somewhere or finish something ahead of someone, you arrive there or finish it before them: · Carrie got to the pub ahead of us.· Cole finished the race ahead of Jewison.
if someone is ahead of their time they do something before other people do it, especially by having new ideas before anyone else: · As an architect, Sir John Soan was ahead of his time.way ahead of your time: · Ashton's educational theories were way ahead of their time.
at the beginning
· At the start it looked as though Italy would win, but Argentina improved as the game went on.· She was nervous at the beginning but she settled down as she got further into her speech.at the beginning/start of · We pay our rent at the beginning of the month.· For homework tonight, start at the beginning of chapter three and read up to page 98.· At the start of the century, barely 3% of the population was literate.
use this to say what happened at the beginning, especially when something different happened later. Initially is more formal than at first: · Barney was quiet at first, but gradually he became more confident.· At first I didn't think Nancy and I would get along.· They offered her the job, initially on a temporary basis but later as a full member of the staff.
especially spoken use this to talk about what happens at the beginning, especially when something different may happen later: · Our employees receive health benefits and $28,000 a year to start with.· Even children who are healthy to begin with wouldn't survive long in these terrible conditions.
at the beginning - use this to talk about the situation at the time in the past when something first started: · Originally, they told me I was only going to work 35 hours a week.· Two hundred people showed up for the wedding, about 50 more than we originally planned.
formal if something is known, believed, decided etc at the outset , it is known etc from the very earliest point in a period of time or activity: · Sylvia knew at the outset what her ultimate goals were.· It had been decided at the outset that Theresa would be our spokesperson.
ways of stating the main reason for something or the main part of something
use this to say what the main reason for something or the main part of something is: · I was asked to lead the meeting mainly because Kristin is out of town.· My new job's fairly boring - it's mainly typing.· The company sells its batteries mainly through electronics stores.
largely and chiefly mean the same as mainly , but they are used especially in written or formal English: · The bird lives chiefly on mice and other small animals.· The report says that drug use is largely responsible for the 40% rise in the city's homicide rate.· Money raised by the new tax is to be used chiefly for road construction.
firstly and most importantly: · Foreign aid is intended principally for the south of the region.· The agency is primarily concerned with making sure the nation's food supplies are safe.· She has a degree in anthropology, but she's primarily a writer.
most importantly compared to other things, especially ones you have just mentioned: · Above all, she will be remembered for all the work she did in the community.· Teaching history means above all knowing how to tell a story.
use this to say that something is the most important thing, and needs to be dealt with before anything else and given attention before anything else: · First and foremost, they are looking for ways to save money.· What children need first and foremost from their parents is a sense of security.
to have a particular position in a competition, race, list etc
to be in a particular position in a competition, race, list etc: · The name Michael always ranks high on the list of the most popular boys' names.rank somebody as first/fourth/eighth etc: · Volleyball Monthly ranked the team third in the nation. rank first/fourth/eighth etc: · Connell, a Canadian ranked 73rd in the world, won the third set.· Second-ranked Stanford beat the University of San Diego 103-68.rank among/as etc: · Sandoz ranks as one of the 10 largest drug companies in the world.be ranked first/fifth etc: · She was beaten by someone who was ranked only 200th in the world.
also come first/second British to be first, second etc in a competition or race: · Sandoz won, and Anderson was second.be first/second etc in: · Michael Johnson came first in the 400m final.
to win a race, competition etc
to win a race, competition, election etc, for example by getting more points, votes etc than everyone else or by being the first to finish: · No-one really expected the Socialist Party to win.win a race/game/election etc: · Chang won the first set but lost the next two.· The competition was won by a Nigerian student.win a prize/medal/cup etc: · His book won the Pulitzer Prize for literature.· What would you do if you won $1 million?win by 6 votes/2 goals etc (=win by getting 6 votes etc more than the other person or team): · He went ahead of Nolan, winning by 15 seconds.win 4-2/20-12 etc (=use this to show the final result of a game): · Do you remember our first game of the season? We won 3-1.win at cards/chess/tennis etc: · She always wins at Scrabble.
also come first British to win a race or competition in which more than two people or teams are competing: · Who do you think will finish first?· The British team was first, followed closely by the Americans.· André Etienne came in first, having completed the course in record time.finish first/be first/come in first in: · An Australian runner came first in the marathon.· Sue finished first in two races -- the 50m backstroke and the 100m front crawl.
the position of the person or team that wins a race or competition: in first place: · Johnson finished in first place, narrowly ahead of Green.win first place in: · My greatest achievement was winning first place in the Young Artist competition.
British if a political party gets in , they win an election, and have the right to form a government: · Do you think Labour will get in again at the next election?
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 First of all we’d better make sure we’ve got everything we need.
 Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
· I first went to Paris two years ago.
· I was first in Paris two years ago.
· When did you first realize you wanted to be a doctor?
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps
 This unit teaches students how to administer first aid.
· I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it!
· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs.
 It may be less useful than it first appears.
· This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe.
(also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt.
· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow.
 discounts for first-time buyers
· In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise.
 She came first in the 200 metres.
 His horse came in second to last.
 a first-class compartment
· Stuart came second in the swimming competition.
(=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair.
(=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree.
(=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years.
 Freshmen have first dibs on dormitory rooms.
· The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes.
(=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent.
· The first edition was published in 1986.
 He plays regularly in the first eleven (=the best team of 11 players).
 His first encounter with Wilson was back in 1989.
(=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school.
(=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep.
 He finished second in the 100 metres, behind Ben Johnson.
 Being given first aid at the scene of the accident probably saved his life.
· We’re moving into a first-floor flat.
 It will be my first foray into local government.
 examinations taken in the fourth form
· The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear.
· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards.
(=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear.
· Profits doubled in the first half of the year.
 I fell head-first down the stairs.
 This was the first I’d heard of any trouble in the area (=I had just heard news of trouble for the first time).
(=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office.
(=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland.
· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue.
(=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count.
· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away.
· His first instinct was to try and hide.
(also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well.
· Where were you when you had your first kiss?
 I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
(=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war
(=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish.
 He must be first in line for the editor’s job.
· Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list?
(=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight.
· She had two children from her first marriage.
(=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning.
· She waited for Michael to make the first move.
(also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
(=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name.
(=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves.
· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison.
(=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.
· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood.
 She always gets first pick of the videos.
 My first port of call will be the post office.
· The package arrived by first-class post.
(=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30.
(=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles.
· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job.
· She won first prize in a poetry competition.
 in the last quarter of the 19th century
 The company’s profits rose by 11% in the first quarter of the year.
 The home side took the lead in the second quarter.
· I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened.
(also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race.
· His first reaction was to laugh.
 The book is quite difficult on first reading.
(=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners.
(=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble.
· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants.
(=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term.
· Their first task was to rebuild the wall.
British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team.
· On the last day of term we went home early.
· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off.
 Woosnam and Lyle tied for fourth place on 264.
 The second tier of the programme is in-house training.
· This is his first try at directing.
(=go along the first etc road) I think we took a wrong turn coming out of town. Take the second turn on the left.
· The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB
· She was an authentic prodigy, first appearing with an orchestra at age 7.· No one was present when life first appeared on earth.· In fact, the regulations are not as stringent as they first appear.· The story of the girl pilot first appeared in a small newspaper in California.· The virus first appeared in Camp Funston, Kansas, in March 1918.
· Bigfoot gets better traction off the line and vaults the moguls, arriving first at the turn.· I thought seventy degrees was cold when we first arrived.· Swanepoel, the pilot whom I had met when I first arrived in the country, tipped me off to that one.· But even Bagwell looks older than when he first arrived.· Most are now inactive, but when they first arrived they were able to hop from place to place in our genome.· When she first arrived, she had thought the place as orderly as a military post.· This time Polly did not break away as she had done when Jack first arrived.· When he first arrived my mother thought he might be an agent of salvation.
· They began first with a petition drive.· Sabi first began writing to his daughter Deena, who was born the summer before his arrest.· When my colleagues at Roslin first began exploring genetic engineering in the early 1980s, pharming was not their only target.· His mother first began to laugh.· McLaren first began attracting attention about six years ago when he started contesting boundary lines in the development where he lives.· The father of Gods and Men began first to speak.· In any event, for whatever reason, humanity first began to encounter the virus during the 1960s and 1970s.· This evolved over a four-year period during our Michaelmas celebrations, which is when I first began to make it.
· Which Judy Garland first comes to mind?· The comfort and convenience of the president himself comes first in the use of all these facilities.· It was up on Hugh's wall when I first came to his house in Shettleston.· She tells me about the offers she had when she first came out here.· The military first came to power in 1962 and abolished all state institutions in 1988.· When Southern blacks first came up to the North, it was conventional for other blacks to take them in.· He first came into government in the 1960s.· I first came across Charlie Tonelli in some Des Moines newspaper clips from back in the 1940s.
· I first encountered the term in the 80s, when it was used to describe computing modules found in many applications.· I first encountered sushi in an expensive specialist restaurant.· He had first encountered it in darkness, with people passing in and out of it.· I first encountered them when I moved to Washington from West Virginia in 1961.· It was the reporters' first encounter with Bradlee on a Watergate story.
· They finished first and second at the U. S. Olympic swimming trials Thursday, claiming the two berths in the event.· But in Seoul, Johnson tested steroid-positive after finishing first in the 100-meter final.· Seattle finished first in the West with a 64-18 record and Houston ended up fifth at 48-34.· He finished first at 34 percent.
· We go first to the Embassy to photocopy the article David has done for Korotich.· Generally, engineering contracts first go through a selection committee before being forwarded to Huckelberry's office.· The dignitaries, as usual, waited for him to go first.· When Scottie Pippen first went out, they announced that the injury was minor and that no surgery was necessary.· Since neither one of us wanted the older woman, we had to decide who would go first.· For all the new packaging, these diets remain fundamentally unchanged from when I first went to Weight Watchers.· You must first go back to D. C. Stephenson.· I let the other guy go first because he had kids.
· Louise said she first heard about her the day you were leaving school.· Bernstein had first heard this in late August from a reporter on an-other newspaper.· Baker was first heard no record in a public jam session of 1941 and quickly established an unbeatable reputation in London clubs.· Robinson first heard the Vocaleers when they came in second at the Apollo amateur night.· No one knows when or how Harrison first heard word of the longitude prize.· The Ravel was made by the composer in 1921, and was, in fact, first heard in this arrangement.· In this chapter we first hear of the savage Queequeg and at first the description makes him seem horrible.
· We first look at some of the cases that led the Supreme Court to rule on this issue.· I first look for character, whether the individual can inspire trust.· To look forward with acuity you must first look back with honesty.· She leaned back, looking first at Ardley and then the others.· I look first inside her closet.· In order to understand and use this approach, it is necessary to first look at a little of its history.
· He had a great sense of humour and when we first met, I was instantly attracted to him.· Frank was no longer the innocent rank-and-filer whom I had first met seven years before.· He was an old sixteen when I first met him.· But certainly, a staff meeting first.· I first met Wells at a weekend party at Max Beaverbrook's country estate in the late 1930s.· Doyle remembers Gabby, an 8-year-old he first met eating discarded ice cream cones in the train station.· I first met him, as I met Askalu, in the highlands 13 years ago.· Several months after we first met, she tells me a revealing and poignant story of her first day at college.
· We must first move from the theory to an empirically testable model.· Bush's choice of Cheney was therefore widely interpreted as a safety-first move.· When I first moved to New York 30 years ago reasonable restaurants could be found everywhere in the centre of Manhattan.· Mary Ann, married, the mother of two children, moved first.· Equally, the skin is pushed out in the direction that the molecule was first moving.· So to search the entire document, first move the cursor to either its start or end.· When I first moved into my dressing room at the Lyceum, it gave off a heady fragrance of drains and whitebait.· It felt good when we first moved in because everybody was very friendly.
· Escondido west of Interstate 15 ranked first in price appreciation as well as sales activity.· M., ranked first with 5. 25.· Then, like now, he was ranked first after Police Commission interviews.· Georgetown was a top seed that finished the season ranked first.· At the time, they were ranked first, second, third, and fourth in the world.
· It was in Pittsburgh that Mulholland first read about California.· He looked the way I felt when I first read his memo.· I can remember when I first read about her back in the late 1960s in a book on oceanography.
· The suit was first reported in the Times of London.· The day that they first report for work, new hires get a list of what the company calls key result areas.· The rampage apparently lasted 10 minutes, not three, as first reported.· It was first reported on the West Coast in the 1920s, and in the Eastin Virginiain the 1950s.· The paper first reported today that the partners will meet this weekend.
· The design of the Web site is what your user will see first, and what will define their experience.· And when I first saw the title, my reaction was to laugh out loud.· I first saw Brookside on Channel 4's opening night, 2 November 1982.· The spot above the river where his son and the Marines first saw each other.· Steve Coogan was 10 when he first saw Wilson in the flesh.· I first saw him when he was about eight, a child with a beautiful face and long, black eyelashes.· It was first seen publicly in the sixth Impressionist Exhibition in 1881, when its astonishing realism shocked many contemporary critics.· Linda first saw Red at a middle school volleyball game.
· When and how priests first started is lost to history.· Particularly when programs are first starting out, these kinds of written arrangements help establish the ground rules.· Twenty-five years on from when I first started, things really aren't that much better.· And yet when you are first starting out as an entrepreneur, a detour is awfully hard to resist.· It was here that I first started to get a closer feel for what the military operations were.· Mainline medicine learned this the hard way when it first started to use anesthetics.
· Finding or remembering an evocative scent is a good first step.· That is the necessary first step.
· The enemy, therefore, almost always struck first.· The flagship, the Association, struck first.· Paris struck first, but Menelaus caught the swift spear on his shield, then hurled his own.
· When I first tried to envision this tiny woman trying to hold off a mob of angry right-wingers, I almost laughed.· Just like Walsh, too, Robinson first tried his hand at broadcasting.· Thoreau first tried to make a career of teaching school and then wrote essays, which almost no one bought.· The father first tried to shake hands with her.· For example, he suggests that the young Clemens grew miserable when he first tried living full-time as Mark Twain.· Dancy allegedly first tried to run down the officer with his car, then drove away.· When I first tried to work out of my home, my discipline crumbled.· Medical treatment invariably is tried first.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► put somebody/something first
  • Alma's family will always come first with her.
  • For me, over the years, work came first, family came second.
  • The rains came first, then the storms.
  • And, like most important values, it came first from my family and was reinforced by good teachers.
  • Angie Costello came first to mind, a bright lipsticked smile above a striped blue apron.
  • But Rosie had come first, and real people mattered more than fantasies.
  • Culture in Berlin came first through state institutions, and developed very late and all at once.
  • I came first to the Flat Garden, with its bonsai azaleas, temple statuary, and a stunning view of Portland.
  • The theory always came first, put forward from the desire to have an elegant and consistent mathematical model.
  • This is where all bad accidents come first and have their clothes removed and first transfusions.
  • Which came first, the decline in public interest or the decline in political news?
  • First and foremost, they are looking for ways to save money.
  • Mayor Agnos is a conservative Christian, but he considers himself first and foremost an American.
  • What children need first and foremost from their parents is a sense of security.
  • And Mr Hemsley is first and foremost a producer-not a commodity trader.
  • Friends say that this was the demand she put first and foremost on the list of what she wanted to achieve.
  • However my worry is not first and foremost a medical one but a spiritual one.
  • I really think that first and foremost this one's down to the board.
  • It has been established that such items as these were employed first and foremost as musical instalments.
  • It is a film first and foremost about loss.
  • My other travelling companion, John Lawrence, would describe himself first and foremost as a writer.
  • This meant, first and foremost, following Bacon in the making of natural histories.
  • And a system whose first and last resort was all too often expediency.
  • At Banff I climbed my first and last mountain - Mount Rundle.
  • For the first and last time in her life, Amelia was too preoccupied to interact with her peers.
  • I sat back and treated myself to a cigarette, determined to make it the first and last of the day.
  • Instead of pressing the spacebar anywhere between the first and last characters of the text, press the Home spacebar.
  • It was the first and last time that management capitulated in the face of a departing mortgage trader.
  • She wrote that she was dying of a fever, and asked him to visit her for the first and last time.
  • These records included the first and last dates of all absences and the reason for absence.
► first come, first served
  • Well, first off, I want to know what you've done with the money I gave you.
► first upPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► first-grader/fourth-grader etc
  • Most people are nicer than you think they are on first acquaintance.
  • Route finding can also be difficult so caution is urged on first acquaintance.
  • Their interpretability, however, must not be exaggerated; their meanings are not necessarily wholly predictable on first acquaintance.
  • At first blush, this discovery seems to confirm his theory.
  • A.. The results here sound more grim at first blush than they really are.
  • That may sound strange at first blush.
► have first call on something► which came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • Compared to this little middle-aged lot, we didn't get to first base!
► murder in the first degree
  • These bags have been known to give people first-degree burns.
  • Broadus and Lee face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges.
  • How her conviction for first-degree murder affects her exposure to lesser murder charges is a matter for debate.
  • If convicted of first-degree murder Mr Markovic would face at least 10 years in prison.
  • Instead of being convicted of first-degree murder, Mitchell got six years for voluntary manslaughter.
  • She was charged with first-degree murder.
  • So the only issue before me is actual innocence of first-degree murder.
  • The prosecutor announced that if she died, he would charge Leyland with first-degree murder.
► the first family► the first floor► the first floor
  • And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
  • At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
  • Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
  • International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
  • It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
  • Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
  • Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
  • This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
► the first lady
  • Voice over Even the governor is on first name terms with the inmates, although the staff still keep a respectful distance.
► the first person► have/give somebody first refusal on something
  • Now aged 31, Cardus is no longer in the first flush of youth.
► leave feet first
  • Debbie is a sixth former at Abergele High School.
  • At first glance this will probably sound strange, yet there is a way in which it is also logical.
  • At first glance, it looked like unalloyed good news.
  • At first glance, the place seemed deserted.
  • Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
  • Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
  • Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
  • The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
  • These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
  • Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
  • Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
  • A limited contract for a few sessions, at least in the first instance, is always preferable.
  • It was not designed as a dwelling place in the first instance.
  • It will be screened in the first instance for Tory Party workers throughout Britain.
  • Making contact with the families in the first instance was the most difficult problem.
  • Smith regarded this distribution as depending in the first instance on relative bargaining strength.
  • Soviet forces were not, at least in the first instance, to be withdrawn unconditionally.
  • The decision should be made in the first instance as if it were easy to be made.
  • At first light on 7 June I checked the compass.
  • At the end of a long gash An atrocity through the lace of first light I sit with the reeking instrument.
  • But until first light, how would he fend off the terrors of the darkness?
  • In the pale first light of dawn I pulled off beside a lake in the state of Vera Cruz.
  • Sergio told us that upon entering the rapid his paddle had snapped in half on his first light stroke.
  • The Caribou took off at first light.
  • The first light of dawn found Joe in Lucy's basement room at the mews cottage.
  • We had some two hours sleep that night, then proceeded to align our position before first light.
► be first/second/next etc in line to the throne
  • Salad crops, however, are quick off the mark.
  • This time, they were slow off the mark.
  • And in the matter of seduction itself, once more it is the male who is expected to make the first move.
  • And now Cambridge United, who recently sacked controversial manager John Beck, have made the first move.
  • He had decided to do nothing further for the present and leave it to Berowne to make the first move.
  • If they have upset you, perhaps they are hoping you will make the first move.
  • She was damned if she was going to make the first move.
  • Those weeks, not seeing him, wondering, too proud to make the first move.
  • We suggest you make the first move.
  • We were both trembling with desire, afraid to make the first move.
► first night/opening night
  • Local farmers will get first option to buy land when the military base closes.
  • The first option is referred to as a world-wide contract, and the second is known as a territory-by-territory contract.
  • The first option is Shulamith Firestone's.
  • The first option is to extract water from subsurface permafrost and use that water directly in a nuclear or solar steam rocket.
  • The first option is to play the ball as it lies.
  • The first option was politically impractical, as close advisers like Georges Pompidou realized.
  • The first option was rejected, as in the past it has isolated the small group from the department.
  • The trouble with the first option, to simply end the war, was that Hanoi would not cooperate.
  • But I think I got into drama professionally in the first place by accident.
  • But it's even more of a comfort for baby if he doesn't get wind in the first place.
  • In the opening 250 race Robert Dunlop stayed well clear of a hectic battle for second place behind him.
  • In the second place, it involves some intention to maintain that control on the part of the possessor.
  • The firm which supplied the scaffold blames the boy's parents for letting him play there in the first place.
  • There is almost a tinge of predestination in footballers' reflections on how they came to sport in the first place.
  • We never enjoyed them in the first place.
  • Why had they come to this country in the first place?
  • And there is the question of the relevance of the trading of information in the first place.
  • But he came in the first place, to something he knew would be far beyond him.
  • He didn't remember being given that form; they had probably not even given it to him in the first place.
  • That's how the Richardson's got the Parrot in the first place.
  • The better approach, in my opinion, is to eat the right foods in the first place.
  • These women should never have been sent to prison in the first place.
  • This assumes that banks have surplus liquidity in the first place.
  • We robbed them of their land in the first place to reward the Annamese who collaborated with us.
  • But it is unwise to assume that parents will inevitably pose a problem when they are placed first.
  • Fiona Burgess was placed second with Jenny Dwyer improving on past form to gain third position.
  • Inside the bracket the symbol of the central atom is placed first.
► first-rate/second-rate/third-rate
  • A number of District Courts took the position on that issue that first resort should still be had to the Convention.
  • However, your first resort in any query concerning the verification process should be your systems verifier.
  • It will be seen that this falls somewhat short of the first resort approach, which the brief does not directly address.
  • More fundamentally, many courts failed to find a basis for the first resort approach.
  • The family was almost certainly the first resort.
  • The role of the state was to be changed so that it would offer help in the last rather than in the first resort.
► first-string/second-string etc
  • Double advanced mathematics first thing in the morning.
  • I will go to see Ken Hurren first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that Summerchild was working on defence.
  • In this case, the first thing to go was his appetite.
  • The first thing I saw when my eyes blinked into focus was an ant marching over a small stone.
  • The first thing to do is make sure the doors themselves are strong enough.
  • The first things that were provided were pubs and working men's clubs.
  • What is the last recollection before losing consciousness and the first thing recalled after regaining awareness?
  • By his second year, he said, nearly 30 schools were sending him letters.
  • Early in the first year his behaviour pattern was showing dips and troughs.
  • Everything about it has helped me to grapple with the intricacies of machine knitting in this, my second year.
  • He had discussed this throughout his first year but had found no solution.
  • In her second year, she met Edgar Lintot.
  • Oryx Energy, like Melville, made the list for a second year in a row.
  • That first year, by happy accident, the itinerary was set for every ride that has followed.
1before anything or anyone else:  Cindy and Joe arrived first. An extra five points will be given to the team that finishes first. First of all we’d better make sure we’ve got everything we need.2before doing anything else, or before anything else happens:  I’ll join you in a minute but I need to make a phone call first.3done for the first time:  The book was first published in 2000.4at the beginning of a situation or activity:  When we were first married we lived in Toronto. We first became friends when we worked together.5[sentence adverb] (also first of all) used before saying the first of several things you want to say SYN  firstly:  First, I’d like to thank everyone for coming.6first off informal a)before doing anything else:  First off I’d like you all to fill in an evaluation sheet. b)used before saying the first of several things you want to say, especially when you are annoyed:  First off I didn’t agree with the comments in your email.7first up British English spoken informal used to introduce the first thing you are going to talk about, or the first thing that is going to happen:  First up is the Blues song ‘Mississippi Lad’.8put somebody/something first to consider someone or something as the most important person or thing:  We need to choose energy policies that put the environment first. Businesses should always put the customer first.9come first a)to be the most important person or thing to someone:  The care and well-being of patients should always come first. As far as I’m concerned, the children come first.first with Business always came first with Luke. b)to win a competitionfirst in The choir came first in all sections of the competition.10first and foremost used to emphasize the most important quality, purpose, reason etc:  Dublin is thought of first and foremost for its literary heritage.11first and last used to emphasize that something is the most important thing or quality:  She regarded herself as a teacher first and last, not a writer.12first come, first served used to say that something will be given to the people who ask for it first, when there is not enough for everyone:  Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.GRAMMARChoosing the right tenseFirst is used with the simple past: · We first met in 2005. ✗Don’t say: We have first met in 2005.Word order• First usually comes before a main verb: · I first went to Paris two years ago.• First comes after ‘be’ when it is the main verb: · I was first in Paris two years ago.• First comes after the first auxiliary: · When did you first realize you wanted to be a doctor?THESAURUSfirst/firstly used when mentioning the first in a list of reasons, arguments, or questions to consider: · I want you to consider these three points in your essay: first, what is the writer’s attitude to the war in this poem ...· There are several reasons for this conclusion. Firstly ...first of all used especially to emphasize that the first of several things you are going to say is the most important thing: · The content of the article must, first of all, be accurate.· First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last two years.in the first place spoken (also for a start British English) spoken used when giving the first and most important reason or example, especially when you are arguing or discussing something with someone: · Our main priority should be better public transport – in the first place to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads.· He’s not the right person for the job. For a start he’s too young.to begin with/to start with spoken used when telling someone the first and most important thing that you want to say: · There are numerous activities on offer. To start with there are over 60 miles of walks with splendid views.· Let me tell you something about him. To begin with, he is the most difficult man that I know.
first1 adjectivefirst2 adverbfirst3 nounfirst4 pronoun
firstfirst3 ●●● S2 W2 noun Thesaurus
Longman Language Activatorhappening, existing, done etc first
before everyone or everything else: · Laurie's name was first on the list.· I still remember my first day of school.· She had her first baby in 1998.· I've only read the first chapter, but it seems like a really good book.· The first thing I ever had published was an article for the Boy Scout magazine.
before you do any other things, or before anything else happens: · I always read the sports page of the newspaper first.· Shall we go out now, or do you want to eat first?· I'll help you with your homework, but first let me finish the dishes.
at the beginning, before other events or actions - use this especially to say what you should do or what you did do first: · First of all, fry the onions.· First of all, let me welcome everyone to the meeting.· First of all I went to tell my wife and then my daughter and son-in-law what had happened.
use this about something that existed at the beginning, especially before a lot of things were changed: · The house still has its original stone floors.· Our original plan was to go camping, but it was pouring with rain.
use this to talk about what happened at the beginning of a process or activity or what someone felt at the beginning, especially when this changes later: initial response/reaction/feeling etc: · My initial reaction was one of complete disbelief.· After the initial shock, people adjusted to the new circumstances.initial difficulties/problems/setbacks etc: · Initial difficulties with the computer system were soon fixed.initial stage/trial/step etc: · I was only involved in the initial stages of the planning.· Classes in gun handling are recommended as the initial step for those who want to own a handgun.
happening or existing before all others: · "The Comedy of Errors" is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays.· The earliest form of transport was probably some kind of sledge.· Ginger was one of the earliest oriental spices known to Europeans.
use this to say that something happens that has never happened before: the first time (that): · The first time I went on a plane I was really nervous.· It was the first time that she had seen her mother cry.for the first time: · For the first time, representatives from the two countries will talk at a conference table.
something that is unprecedented has never happened before and is usually unexpected: · An unprecedented number of cars entered the race.· The police took the unprecedented step of publishing the victim's photograph.· The depression that started in mid-1929 was a catastrophe of unprecedented dimensions for the United States.
first in a race or competition
to be the person who wins a race or a competition: · Jones came first in the 200 metres.· Maryam was first to cross the line, in just 12 seconds.· Krzystof finished first among the 147 professional cyclists.
when something is the first thing you want to say
spoken say this to introduce the first fact, reason, or question, when you are going to mention several more things: · I wanted to change schools, firstly because I didn't like the teacher and secondly because it was too far away.· First, may I say that I am extremely grateful for the trust my colleagues have put in me.· African leaders are worried, firstly about the official flow of aid, and also about levels of private investment.
spoken say this when the reason you are giving first is the most important one: · Freddy, first of all, I didn't flirt with him. He flirted with me.· I called the book "Drum Planet" because first of all, there are drums in every culture.
spoken say this when your reason or fact is the most easy to see or understand: · To start with, one of the biggest problems in the classroom is that the kids don't get enough discipline at home.· Working at home is a good option, because, to begin with, what's the point of driving two hours a day just to sit in front of a computer?
also for a start British spoken say this when you are arguing or discussing something with someone and you are going to give the main reason that proves that what you are saying is true: · In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.· We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.· For a start, someone's sex should not matter in a job interview.
spoken say this when you are going to say something before you start the main part of a speech or talk to a group of people: · Before I start, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.· All right, before I start, could everyone please stand up and introduce themselves.
someone's first performance, appearance, or speech
someone's first public performance, especially in a play, a film or a sport: · "Little Man Tate" was Jodie Foster's directorial debut.debut for: · This is his debut for his new club, Manchester United.make your debut: · Charlie Chaplin made his film debut in 1913.
the first public performance of a play or film: · I've been invited to the premiere of the new Schliessman play.world premiere (=the first performance anywhere in the world): · Music-lovers gathered in Boston for the world premiere of Gershwin's opera, "Porgy and Bess".film/movie premiere: · "Singing in the Rain" begins with its stars attending a movie premiere.
: maiden voyage/flight/speech the first one that a particular ship, aircraft, or person makes: · The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.· Two jets crashed on their maiden flights last year.· The new prime minister admitted that her maiden speech had been too long.
: inaugural lecture/address/speech etc one that an important person does or makes when they first start a new job: · The inaugural address drew a large audience.· Professor Eston gave the inaugural lecture in 1860.
to do something that has never been done before
· The Spanish were the first to keep cattle in the American deserts.· She was the first to see the link between poverty and poor health.be the first person to do something · Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space.
to be the first to do something, especially something good or successful, which may encourage others to do something similar: · Once the Japanese had shown the way, manufacturers in other countries soon began to use robots on a large scale.lead the way in doing something: · The company has led the way in developing environmentally friendly products.
use this about something someone does or tries to do that no-one has ever done before: · The special effects in the movie included things that had never been done before.· Because of advances in technology, we are able to try something that has never been attempted before.
to be the first to invent or find a new method of doing something, and make it possible or easier for others to do the same: · He pioneered techniques for photographing moving objects.· Heart-transplant surgery was pioneered by Professor Christiaan Barnard.
using new and better methods or ideas for the first time: · Her pioneering work in the field of education will be remembered.· Cowley's pioneering development of modern emergency medicine helped save countless lives.
if someone or their work breaks new ground , their work is completely new and different from anything that existed before: · Roosevelt's social reform program broke new ground.· The album is enjoyable, but breaks no new ground.· There's a lot of new ground being broken in the field of genetic research.
British /mold American to be the first to do something in a different way from the way it was usually done before: · The governor urged teachers to break the mold in establishing new ways of teaching.· The new party promised to break the mould of British politics.
something that is the first
something that has never been done or achieved by anyone before and is therefore surprising or exciting: · If an animated film was nominated as best picture, it would be a first.a first in: · Roger Bannister's four-minute mile was a notable first in the history of athletics.· During the 1960's, the Soviet Union achieved a series of firsts in space exploration.a first for: · Delivering a baby on the job was a first for the two police officers.
the first model of something, especially of a machine or a new invention, that is often improved in later models: · No damage to the prototype aircraft was reported after its first test flight.prototype of: · Pilots have begun testing a prototype of the new aircraft.· The prototype of this particular computer was developed by an American in 1975.prototype for: · Within a year, the company expects to have a prototype for military use.
something such as a picture or a piece of writing that is not a copy but is the one produced for the first time by the artist or writer themselves: · I wasn't sure whether the portrait was an excellent copy or the original.· This is a photograph of the manuscript. The original is in the city museum.
first-generation computers, machines etc were the first ones of their type to be produced, and are the ones that later computers, machines etc of the same type are based on: · The first-generation digital televisions cost over $2000.· There were a variety of problems common to first-generation computer software programs.
to do something before someone else does it
if you do something, go somewhere, see something etc first , you do it before someone else: · It's mine - I saw it first.· Who wants to go first?· Sandy finished the puzzle first.
to be the first person to do a particular thing: · Many people have copied her style, but she was definitely the first.be the first/first to do something: · Of the four of us, my sister was the first to get married.
informal to get or do something before another person who is trying to do the same thing: · I was going to have that last piece of pie but somebody beat me to it.· When Charlie finally got down there to buy the car, he discovered that someone else had beaten him to it.
if you arrive somewhere or finish something ahead of someone, you arrive there or finish it before them: · Carrie got to the pub ahead of us.· Cole finished the race ahead of Jewison.
if someone is ahead of their time they do something before other people do it, especially by having new ideas before anyone else: · As an architect, Sir John Soan was ahead of his time.way ahead of your time: · Ashton's educational theories were way ahead of their time.
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 ‘I think he’ll agree to it.’ ‘That will be a first.’
 Helen got a first in Law.
 He put the car into first and roared away.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps
 This unit teaches students how to administer first aid.
· I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it!
· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs.
 It may be less useful than it first appears.
· This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe.
(also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt.
· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow.
 discounts for first-time buyers
· In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise.
 She came first in the 200 metres.
 His horse came in second to last.
 a first-class compartment
· Stuart came second in the swimming competition.
(=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair.
(=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree.
(=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years.
 Freshmen have first dibs on dormitory rooms.
· The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes.
(=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent.
· The first edition was published in 1986.
 He plays regularly in the first eleven (=the best team of 11 players).
 His first encounter with Wilson was back in 1989.
(=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school.
(=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep.
 He finished second in the 100 metres, behind Ben Johnson.
 Being given first aid at the scene of the accident probably saved his life.
· We’re moving into a first-floor flat.
 It will be my first foray into local government.
 examinations taken in the fourth form
· The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear.
· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards.
(=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear.
· Profits doubled in the first half of the year.
 I fell head-first down the stairs.
 This was the first I’d heard of any trouble in the area (=I had just heard news of trouble for the first time).
(=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office.
(=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland.
· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue.
(=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count.
· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away.
· His first instinct was to try and hide.
(also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well.
· Where were you when you had your first kiss?
 I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
(=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war
(=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish.
 He must be first in line for the editor’s job.
· Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list?
(=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight.
· She had two children from her first marriage.
(=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning.
· She waited for Michael to make the first move.
(also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
(=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name.
(=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves.
· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison.
(=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.
· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood.
 She always gets first pick of the videos.
 My first port of call will be the post office.
· The package arrived by first-class post.
(=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30.
(=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles.
· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job.
· She won first prize in a poetry competition.
 in the last quarter of the 19th century
 The company’s profits rose by 11% in the first quarter of the year.
 The home side took the lead in the second quarter.
· I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened.
(also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race.
· His first reaction was to laugh.
 The book is quite difficult on first reading.
(=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners.
(=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble.
· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants.
(=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term.
· Their first task was to rebuild the wall.
British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team.
· On the last day of term we went home early.
· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off.
 Woosnam and Lyle tied for fourth place on 264.
 The second tier of the programme is in-house training.
· This is his first try at directing.
(=go along the first etc road) I think we took a wrong turn coming out of town. Take the second turn on the left.
· The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • At first, exercising seemed like an obligation, but now I really enjoy it.
  • The relationship was doomed to failure from the first.
  • Although the data from the first study are still being analysed, initial results are promising.
  • By 1990, only Sir Geoffrey Howe survived from the first cabinet.
  • His watch, his ring, his money and his suitcase neatly packed had all been sent from the first hotel.
  • Research and design skills can be electronically brought in from the first world.
  • The follow up study was restricted to participants from the first study who were 25 to 74 years of age at baseline.
  • The main concern over the century was to shift as much as possible from the first to the second form.
  • The second word is the noun formed from the first word, the verb.
  • This performance needed more pace, a lighter touch throughout from the orchestra and much greater clarity from the first violins.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► first-grader/fourth-grader etc
  • Most people are nicer than you think they are on first acquaintance.
  • Route finding can also be difficult so caution is urged on first acquaintance.
  • Their interpretability, however, must not be exaggerated; their meanings are not necessarily wholly predictable on first acquaintance.
  • At first blush, this discovery seems to confirm his theory.
  • A.. The results here sound more grim at first blush than they really are.
  • That may sound strange at first blush.
► have first call on something► which came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • Compared to this little middle-aged lot, we didn't get to first base!
► murder in the first degree
  • These bags have been known to give people first-degree burns.
  • Broadus and Lee face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges.
  • How her conviction for first-degree murder affects her exposure to lesser murder charges is a matter for debate.
  • If convicted of first-degree murder Mr Markovic would face at least 10 years in prison.
  • Instead of being convicted of first-degree murder, Mitchell got six years for voluntary manslaughter.
  • She was charged with first-degree murder.
  • So the only issue before me is actual innocence of first-degree murder.
  • The prosecutor announced that if she died, he would charge Leyland with first-degree murder.
► the first family► the first floor► the first floor
  • And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
  • At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
  • Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
  • International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
  • It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
  • Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
  • Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
  • This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
► the first lady
  • Voice over Even the governor is on first name terms with the inmates, although the staff still keep a respectful distance.
► the first person► have/give somebody first refusal on something
  • Now aged 31, Cardus is no longer in the first flush of youth.
► leave feet first
  • Debbie is a sixth former at Abergele High School.
  • At first glance this will probably sound strange, yet there is a way in which it is also logical.
  • At first glance, it looked like unalloyed good news.
  • At first glance, the place seemed deserted.
  • Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
  • Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
  • Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
  • The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
  • These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
  • Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
  • Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
  • A limited contract for a few sessions, at least in the first instance, is always preferable.
  • It was not designed as a dwelling place in the first instance.
  • It will be screened in the first instance for Tory Party workers throughout Britain.
  • Making contact with the families in the first instance was the most difficult problem.
  • Smith regarded this distribution as depending in the first instance on relative bargaining strength.
  • Soviet forces were not, at least in the first instance, to be withdrawn unconditionally.
  • The decision should be made in the first instance as if it were easy to be made.
  • At first light on 7 June I checked the compass.
  • At the end of a long gash An atrocity through the lace of first light I sit with the reeking instrument.
  • But until first light, how would he fend off the terrors of the darkness?
  • In the pale first light of dawn I pulled off beside a lake in the state of Vera Cruz.
  • Sergio told us that upon entering the rapid his paddle had snapped in half on his first light stroke.
  • The Caribou took off at first light.
  • The first light of dawn found Joe in Lucy's basement room at the mews cottage.
  • We had some two hours sleep that night, then proceeded to align our position before first light.
► be first/second/next etc in line to the throne
  • Salad crops, however, are quick off the mark.
  • This time, they were slow off the mark.
  • And in the matter of seduction itself, once more it is the male who is expected to make the first move.
  • And now Cambridge United, who recently sacked controversial manager John Beck, have made the first move.
  • He had decided to do nothing further for the present and leave it to Berowne to make the first move.
  • If they have upset you, perhaps they are hoping you will make the first move.
  • She was damned if she was going to make the first move.
  • Those weeks, not seeing him, wondering, too proud to make the first move.
  • We suggest you make the first move.
  • We were both trembling with desire, afraid to make the first move.
► first night/opening night
  • Local farmers will get first option to buy land when the military base closes.
  • The first option is referred to as a world-wide contract, and the second is known as a territory-by-territory contract.
  • The first option is Shulamith Firestone's.
  • The first option is to extract water from subsurface permafrost and use that water directly in a nuclear or solar steam rocket.
  • The first option is to play the ball as it lies.
  • The first option was politically impractical, as close advisers like Georges Pompidou realized.
  • The first option was rejected, as in the past it has isolated the small group from the department.
  • The trouble with the first option, to simply end the war, was that Hanoi would not cooperate.
  • But I think I got into drama professionally in the first place by accident.
  • But it's even more of a comfort for baby if he doesn't get wind in the first place.
  • In the opening 250 race Robert Dunlop stayed well clear of a hectic battle for second place behind him.
  • In the second place, it involves some intention to maintain that control on the part of the possessor.
  • The firm which supplied the scaffold blames the boy's parents for letting him play there in the first place.
  • There is almost a tinge of predestination in footballers' reflections on how they came to sport in the first place.
  • We never enjoyed them in the first place.
  • Why had they come to this country in the first place?
  • And there is the question of the relevance of the trading of information in the first place.
  • But he came in the first place, to something he knew would be far beyond him.
  • He didn't remember being given that form; they had probably not even given it to him in the first place.
  • That's how the Richardson's got the Parrot in the first place.
  • The better approach, in my opinion, is to eat the right foods in the first place.
  • These women should never have been sent to prison in the first place.
  • This assumes that banks have surplus liquidity in the first place.
  • We robbed them of their land in the first place to reward the Annamese who collaborated with us.
  • But it is unwise to assume that parents will inevitably pose a problem when they are placed first.
  • Fiona Burgess was placed second with Jenny Dwyer improving on past form to gain third position.
  • Inside the bracket the symbol of the central atom is placed first.
► first-rate/second-rate/third-rate
  • A number of District Courts took the position on that issue that first resort should still be had to the Convention.
  • However, your first resort in any query concerning the verification process should be your systems verifier.
  • It will be seen that this falls somewhat short of the first resort approach, which the brief does not directly address.
  • More fundamentally, many courts failed to find a basis for the first resort approach.
  • The family was almost certainly the first resort.
  • The role of the state was to be changed so that it would offer help in the last rather than in the first resort.
► first-string/second-string etc
  • Double advanced mathematics first thing in the morning.
  • I will go to see Ken Hurren first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that Summerchild was working on defence.
  • In this case, the first thing to go was his appetite.
  • The first thing I saw when my eyes blinked into focus was an ant marching over a small stone.
  • The first thing to do is make sure the doors themselves are strong enough.
  • The first things that were provided were pubs and working men's clubs.
  • What is the last recollection before losing consciousness and the first thing recalled after regaining awareness?
  • By his second year, he said, nearly 30 schools were sending him letters.
  • Early in the first year his behaviour pattern was showing dips and troughs.
  • Everything about it has helped me to grapple with the intricacies of machine knitting in this, my second year.
  • He had discussed this throughout his first year but had found no solution.
  • In her second year, she met Edgar Lintot.
  • Oryx Energy, like Melville, made the list for a second year in a row.
  • That first year, by happy accident, the itinerary was set for every ride that has followed.
1at first used to talk about the beginning of a situation, especially when it is different now:  At first, Gregory was shy and hardly spoke. I felt quite disappointed at first.2[countable usually singular] something that has never happened or been done beforefirst for The 3–0 defeat was a first for the team. These results are firsts in the history of women’s athletics. ‘I think he’ll agree to it.’ ‘That will be a first.’3from the (very) first from the beginning of a situation:  I was against the idea from the first. I should have known from the first that the relationship would never work.4[countable] the highest mark you can get in a university degree in Britain:  Helen got a first in Law.5[uncountable] the lowest gear in a car or other vehicle, that you use when moving slowly SYN  first gearin first You should be in first on a hill like this. He put the car into first and roared away.
first1 adjectivefirst2 adverbfirst3 nounfirst4 pronoun
firstfirst4 ●●● S2 W2 pronoun Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 We hope this year’s festival will be the first of many.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps
 This unit teaches students how to administer first aid.
· I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it!
· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs.
 It may be less useful than it first appears.
· This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe.
(also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt.
· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow.
 discounts for first-time buyers
· In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise.
 She came first in the 200 metres.
 His horse came in second to last.
 a first-class compartment
· Stuart came second in the swimming competition.
(=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair.
(=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree.
(=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years.
 Freshmen have first dibs on dormitory rooms.
· The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes.
(=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent.
· The first edition was published in 1986.
 He plays regularly in the first eleven (=the best team of 11 players).
 His first encounter with Wilson was back in 1989.
(=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school.
(=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep.
 He finished second in the 100 metres, behind Ben Johnson.
 Being given first aid at the scene of the accident probably saved his life.
· We’re moving into a first-floor flat.
 It will be my first foray into local government.
 examinations taken in the fourth form
· The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear.
· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards.
(=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear.
· Profits doubled in the first half of the year.
 I fell head-first down the stairs.
 This was the first I’d heard of any trouble in the area (=I had just heard news of trouble for the first time).
(=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office.
(=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland.
· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue.
(=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count.
· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away.
· His first instinct was to try and hide.
(also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well.
· Where were you when you had your first kiss?
 I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
(=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war
(=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish.
 He must be first in line for the editor’s job.
· Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list?
(=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight.
· She had two children from her first marriage.
(=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning.
· She waited for Michael to make the first move.
(also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
(=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name.
(=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves.
· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison.
(=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.
· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood.
 She always gets first pick of the videos.
 My first port of call will be the post office.
· The package arrived by first-class post.
(=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30.
(=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles.
· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job.
· She won first prize in a poetry competition.
 in the last quarter of the 19th century
 The company’s profits rose by 11% in the first quarter of the year.
 The home side took the lead in the second quarter.
· I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened.
(also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race.
· His first reaction was to laugh.
 The book is quite difficult on first reading.
(=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners.
(=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble.
· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants.
(=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term.
· Their first task was to rebuild the wall.
British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team.
· On the last day of term we went home early.
· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off.
 Woosnam and Lyle tied for fourth place on 264.
 The second tier of the programme is in-house training.
· This is his first try at directing.
(=go along the first etc road) I think we took a wrong turn coming out of town. Take the second turn on the left.
· The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • Can we meet on the first?
  • And yet these hills are the first I knew and loved.
  • It was the first I knew about it.
  • Queen Elizabeth the First
  • I had a difficult time with that class of children for the first four or five days.
  • I watched them decide on the wrong place and paint the first mark carefully round a sapling's trunk.
  • In the fourth place, it would be possible to see some combination of the first and the second or third readings.
  • Setting goals and self-monitoring are typically covered in the first session.
  • Technically it's not a marginal because it's the first time it's been fought.
  • The defense-oriented 76ers and Heat spent most of the night chasing missed shots all over the First Union Center.
  • Three of the first four development launches were successful, and Ariane was declared qualified for operational service.
  • We'd played with Ray Floyd who had had a 78 on the first day.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► first-grader/fourth-grader etc
  • Most people are nicer than you think they are on first acquaintance.
  • Route finding can also be difficult so caution is urged on first acquaintance.
  • Their interpretability, however, must not be exaggerated; their meanings are not necessarily wholly predictable on first acquaintance.
  • At first blush, this discovery seems to confirm his theory.
  • A.. The results here sound more grim at first blush than they really are.
  • That may sound strange at first blush.
► have first call on something► which came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • Compared to this little middle-aged lot, we didn't get to first base!
► murder in the first degree
  • These bags have been known to give people first-degree burns.
  • Broadus and Lee face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges.
  • How her conviction for first-degree murder affects her exposure to lesser murder charges is a matter for debate.
  • If convicted of first-degree murder Mr Markovic would face at least 10 years in prison.
  • Instead of being convicted of first-degree murder, Mitchell got six years for voluntary manslaughter.
  • She was charged with first-degree murder.
  • So the only issue before me is actual innocence of first-degree murder.
  • The prosecutor announced that if she died, he would charge Leyland with first-degree murder.
► the first family► the first floor► the first floor
  • And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
  • At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
  • Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
  • International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
  • It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
  • Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
  • Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
  • This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
► the first lady
  • Voice over Even the governor is on first name terms with the inmates, although the staff still keep a respectful distance.
► the first person► have/give somebody first refusal on something
  • Now aged 31, Cardus is no longer in the first flush of youth.
► leave feet first
  • Debbie is a sixth former at Abergele High School.
  • At first glance this will probably sound strange, yet there is a way in which it is also logical.
  • At first glance, it looked like unalloyed good news.
  • At first glance, the place seemed deserted.
  • Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
  • Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
  • Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
  • The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
  • These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
  • Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
  • Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
  • A limited contract for a few sessions, at least in the first instance, is always preferable.
  • It was not designed as a dwelling place in the first instance.
  • It will be screened in the first instance for Tory Party workers throughout Britain.
  • Making contact with the families in the first instance was the most difficult problem.
  • Smith regarded this distribution as depending in the first instance on relative bargaining strength.
  • Soviet forces were not, at least in the first instance, to be withdrawn unconditionally.
  • The decision should be made in the first instance as if it were easy to be made.
  • At first light on 7 June I checked the compass.
  • At the end of a long gash An atrocity through the lace of first light I sit with the reeking instrument.
  • But until first light, how would he fend off the terrors of the darkness?
  • In the pale first light of dawn I pulled off beside a lake in the state of Vera Cruz.
  • Sergio told us that upon entering the rapid his paddle had snapped in half on his first light stroke.
  • The Caribou took off at first light.
  • The first light of dawn found Joe in Lucy's basement room at the mews cottage.
  • We had some two hours sleep that night, then proceeded to align our position before first light.
► be first/second/next etc in line to the throne
  • Salad crops, however, are quick off the mark.
  • This time, they were slow off the mark.
  • And in the matter of seduction itself, once more it is the male who is expected to make the first move.
  • And now Cambridge United, who recently sacked controversial manager John Beck, have made the first move.
  • He had decided to do nothing further for the present and leave it to Berowne to make the first move.
  • If they have upset you, perhaps they are hoping you will make the first move.
  • She was damned if she was going to make the first move.
  • Those weeks, not seeing him, wondering, too proud to make the first move.
  • We suggest you make the first move.
  • We were both trembling with desire, afraid to make the first move.
► first night/opening night
  • Local farmers will get first option to buy land when the military base closes.
  • The first option is referred to as a world-wide contract, and the second is known as a territory-by-territory contract.
  • The first option is Shulamith Firestone's.
  • The first option is to extract water from subsurface permafrost and use that water directly in a nuclear or solar steam rocket.
  • The first option is to play the ball as it lies.
  • The first option was politically impractical, as close advisers like Georges Pompidou realized.
  • The first option was rejected, as in the past it has isolated the small group from the department.
  • The trouble with the first option, to simply end the war, was that Hanoi would not cooperate.
  • But I think I got into drama professionally in the first place by accident.
  • But it's even more of a comfort for baby if he doesn't get wind in the first place.
  • In the opening 250 race Robert Dunlop stayed well clear of a hectic battle for second place behind him.
  • In the second place, it involves some intention to maintain that control on the part of the possessor.
  • The firm which supplied the scaffold blames the boy's parents for letting him play there in the first place.
  • There is almost a tinge of predestination in footballers' reflections on how they came to sport in the first place.
  • We never enjoyed them in the first place.
  • Why had they come to this country in the first place?
  • And there is the question of the relevance of the trading of information in the first place.
  • But he came in the first place, to something he knew would be far beyond him.
  • He didn't remember being given that form; they had probably not even given it to him in the first place.
  • That's how the Richardson's got the Parrot in the first place.
  • The better approach, in my opinion, is to eat the right foods in the first place.
  • These women should never have been sent to prison in the first place.
  • This assumes that banks have surplus liquidity in the first place.
  • We robbed them of their land in the first place to reward the Annamese who collaborated with us.
  • But it is unwise to assume that parents will inevitably pose a problem when they are placed first.
  • Fiona Burgess was placed second with Jenny Dwyer improving on past form to gain third position.
  • Inside the bracket the symbol of the central atom is placed first.
► first-rate/second-rate/third-rate
  • A number of District Courts took the position on that issue that first resort should still be had to the Convention.
  • However, your first resort in any query concerning the verification process should be your systems verifier.
  • It will be seen that this falls somewhat short of the first resort approach, which the brief does not directly address.
  • More fundamentally, many courts failed to find a basis for the first resort approach.
  • The family was almost certainly the first resort.
  • The role of the state was to be changed so that it would offer help in the last rather than in the first resort.
► first-string/second-string etc
  • Double advanced mathematics first thing in the morning.
  • I will go to see Ken Hurren first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that Summerchild was working on defence.
  • In this case, the first thing to go was his appetite.
  • The first thing I saw when my eyes blinked into focus was an ant marching over a small stone.
  • The first thing to do is make sure the doors themselves are strong enough.
  • The first things that were provided were pubs and working men's clubs.
  • What is the last recollection before losing consciousness and the first thing recalled after regaining awareness?
  • By his second year, he said, nearly 30 schools were sending him letters.
  • Early in the first year his behaviour pattern was showing dips and troughs.
  • Everything about it has helped me to grapple with the intricacies of machine knitting in this, my second year.
  • He had discussed this throughout his first year but had found no solution.
  • In her second year, she met Edgar Lintot.
  • Oryx Energy, like Melville, made the list for a second year in a row.
  • That first year, by happy accident, the itinerary was set for every ride that has followed.
1the first the first person to do something, or the first thing to happen:  There are now many similar housing projects but this was the first. We hope this year’s festival will be the first of many.the first to do something I always thought my sister would be the first to get married. James was the first to arrive.2the first I knew/heard used when you have just discovered something that other people already know, and you are slightly annoyed:  The first I knew he was in York was when I got an email from him.first of/about The first I knew about it was when Tony called me.3the First spoken used after the name of a king, queen, or pope when other later ones have the same name:  Queen Elizabeth the First (=written as Queen Elizabeth I)
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