first thing

idiom

: before anything else : right away : very early

I'll be back first thing (on) Monday morning.

She promised to call first thing in the morning.

Examples of first thing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Indeed, exercise in general improves fatigue, energy, and vitality, according to research, so getting in some movement first thing in the morning can do all that. —Danielle Zickl, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026

To maximize the pill’s ability to absorb, people taking it should swallow it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with up to half a glass of water with no food, drinks, or other medications for at least 30 minutes, the company advises, so nothing will interfere with the pill’s activity. —Alice Park, Time, 5 Jan. 2026

This could be first thing in the morning or last thing at night, during transitions like between classes or in moments of anxiety, anger, or overwhelm. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026

Lighting it first thing in the morning instantly sets a calm mood in the office, and within minutes the gentle scent fills the room. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for first thing

• bowstring
• coiling
• downswing
• drawstring
• forewing
• hamstring
• lapwing
• mainspring
• offspring
• plaything
• shoestring
• texting