come first
Filed under C
In a sentence
- 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.
Where it comes from and how it is used
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.
Neighbouring idioms
- play first fiddleSport, games & leisure
- at firstTime & pace
- ahead of the gameMoney & work
- ahead of the packMoney & work
- come to a head
- come out
- come right
- be-all and end-all
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.