Idiom idiom
at first
Meaning
This phrase means 'in the beginning'. You often use it to contrast the start of something with what happened later.
Examples
“At first, I did not like the taste of coffee.”
“At first, the new job seemed very difficult, but I learned quickly and now I enjoy it.”
“At first, the mystery appeared impossible to solve, yet the detective eventually discovered the truth hidden within the old letters.”
Last updated April 22, 2026