first off
1. A phrase used to introduce the first topic one wants to address. I do want to hear about your day, but first off, let me tell you what the wedding planner had to say. First off at today's assembly, we have our sixth grade spelling bee. First off, sir, I have a name, and it's not "sweetie."
2. At once; in the beginning. You should have told your new employer about this conflict of interest first off. Why didn't you call me first off? I've been worried sick about you! OK, which one of these reports am I to run first off?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
first off
first; the first thing. (Almost the same as first of all.) He ordered soup first off. First off, we'll find a place to live.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
first off
From the start, immediately. For example,
He said to wash the car first off, or
Why wasn't she told first off? [
Colloquial; late 1800s] Also see under
first and foremost;
first thing.
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.
first off
as a first point; first of all. informal, chiefly North American 1991 Globe & Mail (Toronto) First off, I wouldn't worry about the ‘fashionability’ of any particular garment. If you'd like to wear something, then wear it.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
first ˈoff/ˈup
(informal) before anything else; to begin with: First off, we will choose the teams, then we can start the game.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017