first class
The first rank; the highest class; the best group.
The pianist was quite good but he was not in the first class.
The most expensive or comfortable class of travel; the best or one of the best groups in which to travel, especially by ship, train, or airplane.
Most people can't afford the first class when they take a long journey by ship.
The way of sending all mail that includes letters and post cards, anything written by hand or typewriter, and anything sealed so that it cannot be inspected, and that is the most expensive class of mail but receives the best treatment.
The usual way to send a letter is by first class.
first come, first served
If you arrive first, you will be served first; people will be waited on in the order they come; the person who comes first will have his turn first.
Get in line for your ice cream, boys. First come, first served.
The rule in the restaurant is first come, first served.
The team's owners announced that tickets for the World Series would be sold on a first come, first served basis only.
There are only a few seats left so it's first come, first served.
first cousin
The child of your aunt or uncle.
Tom's only first cousin was Ralph, the son of his Uncle John.
first of all
Chiefly; primarily; as the first thing.
В первую очередь; прежде всего.
After we get to Chicago, we will, first of all, try to find a reliable used car.
First of all I’d like you to tell me a few words about yourself.
Прежде всего, я хочу, чтобы вы рассказали мне немного о себе.
first off
Before anything else; first.
First off, I want you to mow the lawn.
first out of the gate
Быть первым в каком-нибудь деле.
He was first out of the gate in the effort to raise money for the new concert hall.
Он первым предпринял попытки по сбору денег на новый концертный зал.
first string
The best group of players on a team; first team; A team.
Dick loved basketball and practiced hard until he was put on the first string.
The best group of workers.
Tom learned his trade so well that his boss soon called him one of his first string.
first thing off the bat
Immediately; at once.
He called home from Paris first thing off the bat as he stepped off the plane.