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first things first
01
used to state that there are more important things that one must do or consider before trying to deal with other things
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "first things first" and when to use it?
The exact origin of the idiom "first things first" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. There are a few different theories about its origins, but the most likely is that it refers to the importance of prioritizing tasks and doing the most important things first.
Examples
First things first, let's get the fire under control before we worry about anything else.
I know you're eager to start decorating the new house, but first things first, we need to unpack and get settled in.
