instance

at the instance of (one)

At one's urging. I'm doing some charity work now at the instance of my college advisor. At the instance of my lawyer, I have not signed the contract. I'm sure he got in trouble doing something at the instance of his stupid friends.

See also: instance, of

for example

A phrase used before the speaker gives a specific example to further explain or illustrate what they are referring to. You should bring something in case you get cold on the plane, like a sweater or scarf, for example. There are a number of basic tools no home should be without, like, for example, a hammer, screwdriver set, and adjustable wrench. A number of things will no longer be tolerated in this department—for example, frequent lateness.

See also: example, for

for instance

A phrase used before the speaker gives a specific example to further explain or illustrate what they are referring to. You should bring something in case you get cold on the plane, like a sweater or scarf, for instance. There are a number of basic tools no home should be without, like, for instance, a hammer, screwdriver set, and adjustable wrench. A number of things will no longer be tolerated in this department—for instance, frequent lateness.

See also: for, instance

in the first instance

First, before any subsequent actions. In the first instance, tell your boss you're sick and then call and make an appointment with your doctor. I'm so overwhelmed that I don't even know what to do in the first instance. I know you've got a lot on your mind, but can I take my coat off in the first instance?

See also: first, instance

in the first place

1. From the outset; in or at the very beginning. You should have said you were feeling ill in the first place! I wouldn't have given you such a hard time if I'd known. I never would have bought this car in the first place if I'd known there weren't airbags. Honestly? I never knew why those two got married in the first place.

2. As the first of a given set of points (e.g., in an argument). Why am I quitting? Well, in the first place, I haven't been paid for overtime in nearly a year, and I just don't feel valued as an employee in general. There are a lot of problems with your paper. In the first place, where is your thesis? I'm sick of living in this city—in the first place, the traffic makes commuting to work an absolute nightmare!

See also: first, place

instance in (something)

obsolete To cite or present as an instance or example (of something). I am speaking of the changes to the tax bill, which my esteemed colleague has already instanced in. The incident being instanced in by the councilor is most egregious if true. Would you please instance in the case I'm referring to?

See also: instance

this instance

This particular situation. I know I discouraged you from using too many commas in your essays, but, in this instance, I would add a comma. In this instance, Carrie needs her friends' love and support, regardless of how independent she is the rest of the time.

See also: instance, this

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

for instance

for example. I've lived in many cities, for instance, Boston, Chicago, and Detroit. Jane is very generous. For instance, she volunteers at the hospital and gives money to charities.

See also: for, instance

in the first place and in the first instance

initially; to begin with. In the first place, you don't have enough money to buy one. In the second place, you don't need one. In the first instance, I don't have the time. In the second place, I'm not interested.

See also: and, first, instance, place

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

for example

Also, for instance. As an illustration of something, as in Dress casually, in blue jeans, for example, or This program has problems-for instance, it's hard to retrieve lost data. The first expression, which dates from the late 1500s, is used throughout this book to illustrate how an idiom is used. The variant dates from the mid-1600s.

See also: example, for

instance

see under for example.

in the first place

1. From the beginning, at the outset, before anything else. For example, Why didn't you tell me in the first place that you've decided to leave? or He could have bought a new one in the first place.

2. As the first of several items in order of importance. This phrase is usually accompanied by in the second place, third place, and so on, as in I'm not joining the health club because, in the first place, I don't like their hours, and in the second place, I can't afford the dues . [First half of 1600s] Also see for one.

See also: first, place

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

in the ˈfirst instance

(formal) as the first part of a series of actions: In the first instance, notify the police and then contact your insurance company.

See also: first, instance

in the ˈfirst place

1 used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the different points you are making in an argument: In the first place it’s not your car, and in the second you’re not old enough to drive it. Is that clear?
2 used at the end of a sentence to talk about why something was done or whether it should have been done or not: I should never have taken that job in the first place.

See also: first, place

for ˈinstance

as an example: My books have sold well. My most recent one, for instance, sold 100 000 copies.

See also: for, instance

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

for example

As an illustrative instance: Wear something simple; for example, a skirt and blouse.

See also: example, for

for instance

As an example; for example.

See also: for, instance

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.