in the first place

• Expression idiomatique utilisée pour insister sur la raison initiale ou originelle de quelque chose, ou pour renvoyer au début d'une situation ou d'un argument.

An idiomatic expression used to emphasize the initial or original reason for something, or to refer back to the beginning of a situation or argument.

1. Initially or originallyB1informal

   Used to refer to the beginning of a situation or sequence of events.

   au départ, à l'origine

   • Why did you agree to help in the first place?
   • In the first place, I didn't want to go to the party.
   • He should have told me the truth in the first place.

2. As the first reason or pointB2informal

   Used to introduce the first and most important reason or argument.

   en premier lieu

   • In the first place, the plan is too expensive.
   • In the first place, we don't have enough time.
   • In the first place, you need to apologize for your behavior.