In the first place
Example: I should have told you in the first place.
Definition
"In the first place" is an expression used to indicate the original reason or the earliest point in a sequence of events. It often emphasizes the primary cause or justification for something, as in the example phrase, "I should have told you in the first place."
Etymology
The phrase "in the first place" originates from the literal idea of placing something at the initial position or priority in a list or order. It has been used in English for centuries to denote the starting point or foremost consideration in an argument or explanation.
Learn to use this expression actively
"In the first place" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (B2) - set 1", containing 103 commonly used expressions.
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