Conclusion
“At the first sign” is a commonly used phrase in English that is often used to indicate the beginning of something. This phrase is often used to describe a situation where something is starting to happen, and it is important to take action immediately to prevent it from getting worse.
Definitions
The phrase “at the first sign” can be defined as the moment when something starts to happen or become apparent. It is the initial stage of something, and it is important to take action at this point to prevent it from getting worse.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “at the first sign” is unclear, but it is believed to have been used in the English language for several centuries. It is likely that the phrase was first used in the context of medicine, where doctors would look for the first signs of a disease or illness in order to treat it early.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “at the first sign” means “at the earliest indication or indication of something.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “at the first indication of something happening.” The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “at the moment when something first starts to happen.”
Associations
The phrase “at the first sign” is often associated with the idea of being proactive and taking action early on. It is also associated with the idea of being vigilant and observant, as it requires a person to notice the first signs of something happening.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “at the first sign” include “at the outset,” “at the beginning,” “at the start,” and “at the commencement.”
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “at the first sign” include “at the end,” “at the conclusion,” and “at the finish.”
The same root words
The phrase “at the first sign” does not have any root words, as it is a phrase made up of several words.
Example Sentences
- “At the first sign of a headache, take a painkiller.”
- “At the first sign of trouble, call the police.”
- “At the first sign of a cold, drink plenty of fluids.”
- “At the first sign of a storm, seek shelter.”
In conclusion, the phrase “at the first sign” is a commonly used phrase in English that is often used to indicate the beginning of something. It is important to take action at this point to prevent it from getting worse. The phrase is associated with being proactive and vigilant, and it can be used in a variety of contexts.