Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

in-the-first-place

idiom
/ɪn ðə fɜrst pleɪs/
Definition
At the beginning of a discussion or consideration of something.
Examples
  • In the first place, we need to consider the budget before making any decisions.
  • She didn’t, in the first place, intend to offend anyone with her comments.
Meaning
The phrase ‘in the first place’ is used to indicate the initial reason or main point for something, often before presenting additional considerations or arguments.
Synonyms
  • Initially
  • At the outset
  • To begin with