first-things-first rules
noun phraseUK /ˌfɜːst θɪŋz ˈfɜːst ruːlz/
US /ˌfɝːst θɪŋz ˈfɝːst ruːlz/
Do the most important thing before anything else.
Our teacher says first-things-first rules mean we finish our homework before we play games.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A habit of doing urgent or needed jobs before easy or fun ones.
By following first-things-first rules, she cleaned her room before watching TV.
3. A way of planning where the biggest job comes first on the list.
His first-things-first rules helped him finish the big project early.
4. A reminder to take care of basic needs before extras.
First-things-first rules meant they bought food before toys.