English Reference
Idiom idiom

come first


To win first place in a competition.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

She practiced hard and managed to come first in the race.

CONTEXTUAL

After months of intense training, the young athlete was thrilled to come first in the regional swimming competition.

COMPLEX

Despite the fierce competition from more experienced rivals, the underdog runner surged ahead in the final lap to come first in the national championship.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    appetite comes with eating

    Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.

  2. 02

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    blink first

    To be the first party in some situation to give in or back down.

  4. 04

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  5. 05

    burn that bridge when one comes to it

    To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.

  6. 06

    cast the first stone

    To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.

  7. 07

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

  8. 08

    come a cropper

    To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.

Last updated August 10, 2026