first of all: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘first of all’ mean?
The idiom first of all is used to introduce the most important or primary point or step in a series of actions or arguments.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "last thing" means the final action or event that occurs before a particular time or event. It emphasizes the timing or order in which something happens. It can also refer to the least important or least desirable action or event in a sequence.
The idiom "in the lead" means to be in a leading or winning position, often in a competition or race.
The idiom "in the front row" means to be in a prominent position or to have a key role in a situation or event.
The idiom "in the first place" means originally or initially, indicating that something is being discussed or considered from the beginning.
The idiom "headlines" refers to the prominent and attention-grabbing text that appears at the top of a newspaper or news article. It is used metaphorically to indicate something that is of great significance or importance.
The idiom *front of mind* means that something is at the forefront of someone's thoughts or attention, and is constantly on their mind.
The idiom "front and center" means to be in a prominent or important position, often getting attention or focus.
The idiom *from the word go* means from the very beginning or start of something.
Underlying Significance
The idiom "first off" is another variant of the phrase "first of all." It is commonly used in informal conversations to introduce the first or primary point in a series of ideas or actions. Similar to "first of all," "first off" emphasizes the importance and priority of the initial point being made.
Additionally, the idiom "in the first place" can be used interchangeably with "first of all." It serves the same function of introducing the initial point or step in a sequence. "In the first place" is a more formal expression compared to "first of all," and it is commonly used in written texts such as essays or articles.
Furthermore, the idiom "come first" is closely related to "first of all" as it implies the highest priority or importance of something. When something "comes first," it means it takes precedence over other things or actions. This idiomatic expression is often used to emphasize that a certain aspect or value should be considered as the top priority.
Lastly, the idiom "first up" is yet another variant of "first of all." It is a casual expression used to introduce the first item in a list or the first person to perform a task or activity.
Overall, these idiomatic expressions "first off," "in the first place," "come first," and "first up" are all closely related to "first of all." They serve the purpose of introducing the initial point or step in a sequence, emphasizing its importance and priority. Whether used in formal or informal contexts, these idioms provide a clear structure and signaling for organizing ideas or actions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "first of all" can be used in a sentence:
- First of all, let's address the most important issue at hand.
- Before we decide anything, first of all, let's gather all the necessary information.
- First of all, I want to thank everyone for their support in this endeavor.
More "Transition" idioms
