Explaining "First come, first served"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 21/10/2024, 09:35

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "First come, first served" means that people will receive a service or benefit in the order that they arrive or request it. Those who arrive earlier are given priority over those who come later.

Tone

Neutral and informative

Origin

The phrase dates back to the 16th century and has been used in various contexts to describe a method of handling demand from the earliest customers or participants first.

Examples of usage

The tickets to the event are distributed on a first come, first served basis, so make sure to arrive early.
The hotel operates on a first come, first served policy, so there's no guarantee of a room if you arrive late.
Parking is limited at the stadium, and spots are allocated on a first come, first served basis.