come first: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come first’ mean?
The idiom "come first" means to be the top priority or receive the highest level of importance in a particular situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "play first fiddle" means to have the dominant or leading role in a situation or group.
The idiom "play first fiddle" is used in the English language to describe someone who occupies a prominent and influential position. Originating from the world of music, specifically orchestras, it refers to the lead violinist or concertmaster who plays the first violin part. This metaphorical phrase carries a sense of authority, importance, and dominance.
The idiom "dead last" means finishing in the final position. It emphasizes being in the very bottom and suggests being significantly behind the competition.
The idiom "cut to the chase" means to get to the main point or most important part of something without wasting time or providing unnecessary details.
The idiom "come to someone's rescue" means to save or help someone in a difficult or dangerous situation.
The idiom "come to someone's aid" means to help or support someone in need or in a difficult situation.
The idiom "come right" means to arrive or appear suddenly or unexpectedly. It is often used to describe someone or something appearing at the perfect moment or in a timely manner.
The idiom "come out" means to make something known or to reveal something that was previously hidden or unknown.
The idiom "come on strong" means to behave aggressively or assertively, often in a way that is overwhelming or intimidating to others.
The idiom "come into the world" means to be born or to enter life. It is used to describe the beginning of someone's existence or the moment when someone is born into this world.
The idiom "come into the world" is a commonly used phrase in the English language that holds both literal and figurative meanings. Its origin and etymology can be traced back to the Old English period, where its usage can be found in early written texts.
Decoding Superiority
The idiom "play first fiddle" is closely related to "come first." Both phrases convey the idea of being in a position of importance or priority. While "come first" generally refers to the overall importance of something or someone, "play first fiddle" specifically relates to being in a position of leadership or prominence.
When someone is said to "play first fiddle," it means they are in a role of authority or influence. This can apply to various situations, such as someone taking charge in a group project, leading a team, or being the main contributor in a musical performance. The key distinction between "play first fiddle" and "come first" lies in the emphasis on being in a position of leadership or prominence rather than simply being the most important or prioritized.
The idiom "at first" is another phrase that is connected to the concept of "come first." While "come first" generally refers to the overall importance or priority of someone or something, "at first" specifically relates to the initial stage or beginning of something. It indicates the earliest point or moment before any subsequent developments or changes.
When we say "at first," we are referring to the initial, starting point of a situation or experience. For example, someone might say, "I didn't like the movie at first, but it grew on me after watching it a second time." In this context, "at first" highlights the initial impression or reaction, suggesting that it may have changed or evolved over time.
The connection between "come first" and "at first" lies in the importance of considering the starting point or initial stage when determining the overall significance or priority of something. Just as "at first" focuses on the beginning, "come first" emphasizes the overall ranking or importance in relation to other elements or individuals.
Overall, these related idioms provide additional nuances and perspectives to the concept of "come first." While "play first fiddle" emphasizes being in a position of leadership or prominence, "at first" highlights the initial stage or starting point. Together, they contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the importance and significance of different aspects in a given context.
Example usage
Examples:
- My kids always come first in my life.
- When it comes to managing my time, schoolwork always comes first.
- As a nurse, the well-being of my patients always comes first.
More "Priority" idioms
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