in the first place

phrase

1

—used at the end of a sentence to indicate what was true or what should have been done at the beginning of a situation

We should never have gone there in the first place.

I didn't care much for the job in the first place.

2

—used when listing the most important parts of something or the most important reasons for something

I'm not going to tell you because, in the first place, it's none of your business, and in the second place, you would tell everyone else.

Examples of in the first place in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Experts say the geological process that created the critical waterway — the flashpoint in the US’ war with Iran – is the very same process which gave the region its oil riches in the first place. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

That’s because the mix of gases in their atmosphere—and the presence of one in the first place—can wildly change a planet’s surface temperature. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026

The fact that City are keen on signing Wharton in the first place is fascinating, bearing in mind his physical profile and the way in which that has led to him being overlooked at times in his career. — Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

For Brooks, the exercise offered a chance to reconnect with what drew him to movies in the first place. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for in the first place

• aromatase
• oligoclase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace