first and last

first and last

Altogether; on the whole; primarily; above all else. First and last, be sure to be true to your own desires. Though they have begun venturing into other fields of business, the company is a tech firm first and last.
See also: and, first, last
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

first and last

Under all circumstances, always, as in She was an artist first and last. (For a synonym, see above all.) This expression, first recorded in 1589, should not be confused with the similar-sounding from first to last, which means "from start to finish" or "throughout," as in We cheered them on from first to last.
See also: and, first, last
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

ˌfirst and ˈlast

mainly; only: The book is, first and last, an account of a poet’s development. I saw him for the first and last time at his father’s funeral.
See also: and, first, last
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • worldly
  • worldly desires
  • earthly
  • earthly desires
  • (one's) true colours
  • (be) careful what you wish for(, (because) you just might get it)
  • because
  • careful
  • at will
  • all or nothing