in the first instance
Related to in the first instance: Court of first instance, in the second instance
in the first instance
First, before any subsequent actions. In the first instance, tell your boss you're sick and then call and make an appointment with your doctor.
See also: first, instance
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
in the first place and in the first instance
initially; to begin with. In the first place, you don't have enough money to buy one. In the second place, you don't need one. In the first instance, I don't have the time. In the second place, I'm not interested.
See also: and, first, instance, place
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
in the ˈfirst instance
(formal) as the first part of a series of actions: In the first instance, notify the police and then contact your insurance company.See also: first, instance
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- in the first place and in the first instance
- for a start
- first blood
- first of all
- first off
- first off/up
- first up
- first in, best dressed
- be first out of the box
- first refusal