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3. at first hand

at first hand

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at first hand

Directly. As a teacher, I've seen at first hand how reading can change children's lives.

See also: first, hand

at first hand

from seeing or experiencing directly For Carter, the visit was a chance to see at first hand the life and work of someone he admired.

See also: first, hand

at first hand

Directly from the origin, without intervention or intermediary. For example, I prefer to hear his criticism at first hand, rather than having it passed on by my boss . This phrase uses hand in the sense of "person" (coming directly from one person). [First half of 1700s] Also see at second hand.

See also: first, hand