ENGLISH
REFERENCE

first off

idiom
Meaning

Firstly; before anything else. Often used to introduce the first in a list of points to be made in conversation.

Examples
SIMPLE

First off, we need to decide where to eat.

CONTEXTUAL

First off, I want to thank everyone for coming to the meeting today.

COMPLEX

First off, the committee must address the budget deficit before considering any new projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blink first

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

  2. 02

    cast the first stone

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

  3. 03

    come first

    To win first place in a competition.

  4. 04

    director of first impressions

    A receptionist.

  5. 05

    feet first

    In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).

  6. 06

    first among equals

    A person or position that is formally of equal rank to others in a group, but nonetheless takes a leading role within that group.

  7. 07

    first and last

    A person's combined given name and surname.

  8. 08

    first annual

    Being the first occurrence of an event that is scheduled or hoped to become annual.

Last updated April 17, 2026