THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
First things first
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
The most important tasks should be dealt with before other tasks.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- First things first: let’s check that everyone has a seat.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
________: let’s check that everyone has a seat.
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First things first — The most important tasks should be dealt with before other tasks.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “First things first” about your own life.
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The most important tasks should be dealt with before other tasks.
Compare: First things first: let’s check that everyone has a seat.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression to bring attention back to a priority. It is natural in conversation and can sound practical or gently firm.
More examples in context
- We can choose colours later; first things first, we need a budget.
- First things first—save your work before restarting the laptop.
Usage note
The fixed phrase uses plural “things” twice. It often introduces a sentence with a colon, comma or dash and is not the same as merely saying what happened first.
A short conversation
A: Shall we pick a name for the club?
B: First things first: we need to agree on what the club will do.
A: Good point. Let’s define its purpose.
One more practice question
Why might someone say “First things first” before checking an event’s budget?
A. To say the budget can always be ignored.
B. To put an important task before less important decisions.
Check your answer
B. The phrase redirects attention to what needs priority.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.