First Time for Everything Meaning
Definition: There will be a first time for anything you choose to do in life.
Oftentimes, people use this phrase to encourage someone to something unusual or surprising. In other words, you shouldn’t let the fact that you haven’t done something stop you from doing that thing.
People also use this expression simply to comment on something unusual or surprising.
Origin of First Time for Everything
The most common use of this phrase is as a reply to someone expressing doubts about doing something, specifically because it will be the first time that he or she has done that thing.
This expression is meant to reassure that person that there will always be always be a first time for something, so that’s not a good reason not to do whatever is being discussed.
The exact origin of this expression is unclear. However, digital records show that it was in use by the 1800s. It is unlikely that it appeared before then. Usage started rising sharply in the 1970s.
Usually this expression appears as part of the longer sentence there’s always a first time for everything or there has to be a first time for everything.
Examples of First Time for Everything
In the first example, two employees are talking about whether or not they should go on strike.
Marcus: They promised to give us a raise every year. I’ve worked here for five years, and I’ve never gotten a raise.
Patsy: I know. Me neither, and I’ve worked here even longer. Maybe we should go on strike. I’m just joking, of course.
Marcus: Actually, that sounds like a great idea! Why are you just joking?
Patsy: I don’t know. I’ve
never gone on strike before. I wouldn’t know how to do it.
Marcus: Well, there’s a first time for everything! I say we start to think seriously about this.
In the second example, a husband and wife are discussing what do for vacation this year.
Donny: So it’s almost summer time! Are you excited to go on vacation to Florida in July?
Alison: We go to Florida every year. I was thinking we could go somewhere a little more exciting. What would you think about Mexico?
Donny: But we always go to Florida. I’ve never gone to Mexico before, and I don’t speak any Spanish.
Alison: There has to be a first time for everything. I think we should consider it!
More Examples
This excerpt is from an article about golf.
- “The first time I played for France in Davis Cup it was against the best pair in the world. I played with Francois Jauffret and we won,” Noah said. “There is always a first time for everything.” –Houston Chronicle
This excerpt is from an article about cannabis tourism in Colorado.
- There’s a first time for everything, I thought as I rolled into a Gas & Grass south of Colorado’s state capital, pulling up next to a pump. –LA Times
Summary
The idiom there’s a first time for everything means even though something hasn’t happened before doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
Contents