first off

1. From the start, immediately. For example, He said to wash the car first off, or Why wasn't she told first off? [Colloquial; late 1800s] Also see under first and foremost; first thing.

Example Sentences

The UK was first off the blocks, perhaps inevitably.

From BBC

Neeson told the magazine, “with Pamela, first off, I’m madly in love with her,” before detailing her work ethic and sense of humor.

From Los Angeles Times

This angry, green-skinned figure was owned by a child whose mother knew someone who worked for Denys Fisher, and purchased one of the first off the production line.

From BBC

"We need to tackle that pervasive misogyny in society first off, so we don't reach that stage in the first place."

From BBC

With all due respect to Marshall McLuhan, I think Democrats need first off to figure out a message to carry them through the 2026 midterms.

From Los Angeles Times