surface blush

Ex: At first sight, there seems to be no good reason to distinguish between telecommunication networks and data networks.

Ex: On first inspection it may appear that the words used in indexes to represent concepts can merely be determined by considering normal usage.

Ex: On the face of it, that sounds like an even more difficult concept to comprehend, let alone implement in a working model.

Ex: At first blush, nothing seemed particularly ominous about the formation of the ad hoc committee.

Ex: We have already noted that at first glance the outline of main classes appears traditional.

Ex: Finally, libraries as a physical environment seem on the surface the least likely to exist in a digital future.

Ex: Ordinarily a distributor of a libel would be prima facie liable.

Ex: Indexing can thus be achieved at a detailed level, with often many terms per document, with almost no indexing effort.

Ex: Accessibility to the documents stored in files is an important factor, so the physical storage is important.

* a + Adjetivo + escala = on a + Adjetivo + scale.

* a alguna parte = someplace.

* a alta presión = high-pressured, high-pressure.

* a altas horas de la noche = late at night.

* a ambas orillas del Atlántico = on both sides of the ocean, on both sides of the Atlantic.

* a ambos lados de = on either side of.

* a ambos lados del Altántico = on both sides of the ocean, on both sides of the Atlantic.

* a ambos lados de + Lugar = on both sides of + Lugar.

* a años luz de = light years away from.

* a bajas temperaturas = at low temperature.

* a bajo coste = low-cost.

* a bajo costo = low-cost.

* a bajo nivel = low-level.

* a bajo precio = lower-cost, at a low price, on the cheap.

* a base de = in the form of, on a diet of.

* a base de carne = meaty [meatier -comp., meatiest -sup.].

* a base de cometer errores = the hard way.

* a base de errores = the hard way.

* a boca de jarro = at close range.

* a bocajarro = point blank.

* a bombo y platillo = fanfare, with a bang.

* a bordo = aboard, on board ship.

* a bordo de = aboard, onboard.

* a bordo de un barco = shipboard, on board ship.

* a buen recaudo = in a safe place, in safekeeping.

* a caballo = on horseback, astride.

* a caballo entre = astride... and..., midway between.

* a caballo entre... y... = half way between... and....

* a caballo regalado no se le mira el diente = never look a gift horse in the mouth.

* a cada rato = every so often, every now and then, every now and again, every once in a while.

* a cambio = in return.

* a cambio de = in exchange for, in return for.

* a cambio de nada = for nothing.

* a cántaros = cats and dogs.

* a cargo = in the saddle.

* a cargo (de) = charged with, in charge (of), at the helm (of).

* a cargo de Alguien = under supervision.

* a cargo de las riendas = in the saddle.

* a cargo del ayuntamiento = local authority-run.

* a cargo del gobierno = government-operated, government-run.

* a cargo de una sola persona = one-man band.

* a cargo de voluntarios = volunteer-run.

* a chorros = profusely.

* a ciegas = blindfold, blindly, blindfolded, in the dark.

* a ciencia cierta = for sure, for certain.

* a cierta distancia = some distance away.

* a cierta distancia de = off.

* a cierta distancia de la costa = offshore.

* a cierta distancia del litoral = offshore.

* a cobro revertido = reverse charges.

* a color = multi-colour [multi-color -USA].

* a comienzos de + Expresión Temporal = early + Expresión Temporal, the.

* a comienzos de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha, in the early part of + Fecha.

* a comienzos de + Período de Tiempo = by the turn of + Período de Tiempo, at the turn of + Período de Tiempo.

* a conciencia = deliberately, wilfully [willfully, -USA], by design, on purpose.

* a condición de que + Subjuntivo = provided (that), providing (that), as long as.

* a contenido enriquecido = content-enriched.

* a continuación = next, then, in the following, herewith.

* a continuación se enumeran = given below.

* a contracorriente = against the grain.

* a contraluz = against the light.

* a contrapelo = against the grain, against the nap.

* a coro = with one voice, in unison.

* a corto plazo = before very long, short term [short-term], in the short run, short-range, at short notice, in the short term, short-run.

* a costa de = at the cost of, at the expense of, at + Nombre's + expense, at cost of.

* a costa de mucho = at (a) great expense.

* a costa de otro = at someone else's expense.

* a costa de otros = at other people's expense.

* a criterio de = at the discretion of.

* a cualquier hora = anytime, around the clock.

* a cualquier hora del día o de la noche = at any hour of the day or night, at any time of the day or night.

* a cualquier precio = at any cost, at all costs, at any price.

* a cuatro aguas = hipped.

* a cuatro patas = on all fours, on four legs.

* a cuenta de = at the expense of.

* a cuenta de la empresa = at company expense.

* a cuenta de otro = at someone else's expense.

* a cuenta de otros = at other people's expense.

* a cuenta propia = at + Posesivo + expense, at + Posesivo + own expense.

* a cuerpo de rey = the lap of luxury.

* a cuestas = in tow.

* a decir de todos = by all accounts.

* a decir verdad = to tell the truth, if the truth be known, if the truth be told, in all truth, in truth, fact is, the fact is (that), to be fair.

* a decir verdad... = the fact of the matter is that....

* a demanda = pro re nata.

* a deshora(s) = at odd times, out of hours.

* a día de hoy = as of today.

* a diario = every day.

* a diestro y siniestro = like there's no tomorrow.

* a dieta = on a diet.

* a diferencia de = apart from, as opposed to, in contradistinction to, as contrasted with, in contrast (to/with), quite apart from, in sharp contrast (with).

* a diferencia de + Nombre = unlike + Nombre.

* a diferentes niveles = multi-tiered [multitiered], multi-tier [multitier].

* a discreción = at will, no holds barred.

* a disgusto = unwillingly, reluctantly.

* a disposición de = at the disposal of.

* a distancia = remote, remotely, distantly.

* a doble espacio = double-spaced.

* a domicilio = domiciliary.

* ¿a dónde se dirige(n)...? = whither?.

* ¿a dónde va(n)...? = whither?.

* ¿a dónde vas? = quo vadis, whither thou goest.

* a dos niveles = two-tier.

* a dos velas = skint, penniless, broke.

* a duras penas = with great difficulty.

* a efectos de = in terms of, for the purpose of + Nombre.

* a efectos prácticos = to all intents and purposes, for all practical purposes, for all intents and purposes, to all intents.

* a él = him.

* a ellos = them.

* a escala = drawn-to-scale.

* a escala industrial = on an industrial scale, industrial-scale.

* a escala mundial = globally, on a global scale.

* a escala natural = full-scale.

* a escondidas = by stealth, stealthily, furtively, on the quiet, on the sly.

* a eso = thereto.

* a espaldas de = out of sight of.

* a estas alturas = by now.

* a este fin = to this end.

* a este paso = at this rate.

* a este respecto = in this respect.

* a este ritmo = at this rate.

* a estrenar = brand new.

* a examen = under the microscope.

* a excepción de = barring, except for, excepting, other than, with the exception of, short of.

* a excepción de que = except that.

* a excepción de uno = with one exception.

* a expensas de = at the expense of, at + Nombre's + expense.

* a expensas de otro = at someone else's expense.

* a expensas de otros = at other people's expense.

* a + Expresión Temporal = as of + Expresión Temporal.

* a falta de = for want of, in the absence of, in default of, for lack of, short of.

* a favor = in favour.

* a favor de = in favour of.

* a favor de la decisión personal sobre el aborto = pro-choice.

* a favor de la esclavitud = pro-slavery.

* a favor de la raza negra = pro-black [problack].

* a favor de la vida humana = pro-life.

* a favor y en contra = pro and con.

* a + Fecha = as per + Fecha.

* a finales de = by the end of, at the close of + Expresión Temporal.

* a finales de + Expresión Temporal = as of late + Expresión Temporal, at the end of + Expresión Temporal, by the close of + Expresión Temporal.

* a finales de + Fecha = in the late + Fecha, in late + Fecha.

* a finales de los + Década = late + Década, the.

* a finales del + Siglo = late + Siglo, late period of + Siglo.

* a fin de cuentas = at the end of the day, in the end, in the final count, in the grand scheme of things, when all is said and done, after all is said and done.

* a fondo = fully, thoroughly, full-scale.

* a fondo perdido = non-refundable.

* ¡a freír espárragos! = on your bike!.

* a fuerza de = by dint of.

* a fuerza de cometer errores = the hard way.

* a fuerza de errores = the hard way.

* a gas = gas-powered.

* a gatas = on all fours.

* a grandes rasgos = broadly, rough draft.

* a granel = in bulk.

* a gran escala = large scale [large-scale], massive, on a wide scale, high-volume, wide-scale, on a broad scale, in a big way, on a grand scale.

* a gran velocidad = at great speed.

* a grito limpio = at the top of + Posesivo + voice.

* a grito pelado = at the top of + Posesivo + voice.

* a gritos = vociferously.

* a groso modo = crudely.

* a grosso modo = roughly, rough draft.

* a gusto = at ease, at leisure.

* a gusto de = to the liking of, at the pleasure of.

* a horcajadas = astride.

* a hurtadillas = surreptitiously, by stealth, stealthily, furtively, on the sly.

* a imitación de lo clásico = classicising [classicizing, -USA], classicised [classicized, -USA].

* a iniciativa de = at the initiative of.

* a iniciativas del gobierno = government-led.

* a instancia de = at the urging of.

* a instancias de = at the instigation of, at the behest of, under the auspices of.

* a intervalos = at intervals.

* a intervalos + Adjetivo = at + Adjetivo + intervals.

* a intervalos semanales = at weekly intervals.

* a invitación de = at the invitation of.

* a jabón = soapy [soapier -comp., soapiest -sup.].

* a juicio = on trial.

* a juicio público = in the public eye.

* a juzgar por = to judge by, judging by, judging from.

* a la acuarela = water-coloured [water-colored, -USA].

* a la alcaldía = mayoral.

* a la altura de = of the stature of, equal to.

* a la altura de la cintura = waist high, waist deep.

* a la altura de la rodilla = knee-high.

* a la altura de los hombros = shoulder-high.

* a la anchura de los hombros = shoulder-width.

* a la anochecida = at nightfall.

* a la antigua = old-style.

* a la antigua usanza = old-style.

* a la atención de = c/o (care of).

* a la baja = on the wane.

* a la brasa = grilled.

* a la buena de Dios = out in the cold.

* a la cabeza de = in the forefront of/in.

* a la caída de la noche = at nightfall, at twilight.

* a la caída de la tarde = at twilight.

* a la carta = a la carte.

* a la defensiva = on the defensive.

* a la derecha = at the right.

* a la derecha de = on the right side of, on the right-hand side of.

* a la deriva = rudderless.

* a la discreción de = at the discretion of.

* a la disposición de Alguien = at + Posesivo + disposal.

* a la expectativa de = on the lookout for, on the alert for.

* a la + Expresión Temporal = a + Expresión Temporal.

* a la fuerza = forcefully, of necessity, forcibly, compulsorily.

* a la fuga = on the run, on the lam.

* a la hora de + Infinitivo = when it came to + Gerundio, when it comes to + Gerundio.

* a la hora de la verdad = when push comes to shove, if it comes to the crunch, when it comes to the crunch, when the worst comes to the worst, if the worst comes to the worst, when the crunch comes to the crunch, if the crunch comes to the crunch.

* a la hora del café = at coffee.

* a la intemperie = in the open, exposed.

* a la inversa = mirror-fashion, mirror image, in reverse.

* a la izquierda = at the left.

* a la larga = in the long term, over the long term, in the end, eventually, for the long pull, over a period of time, over the long haul, in the far term, ultimately, by and by.

* a la ligera = lightly.

* a la luz de = in light of, in the light of.

* a la luz de la luna = by moonlight, in the moonlight, moonlit.

* a la luz de las estrellas = by starlight.

* a la luz de las velas = by candlelight, candlelight, candlelit.

* a la luz del día = in the light of day.

* a la luz de una lámpara de gas = by gaslight.

* a la mano de = available at the fingertips of.

* a la misma altura que = in the same league as.

* a la moda = trendy [trendier -comp., trendiest -sup.].

* a la onda = in the know.

* a la opinión pública = in the public eye.

* a la par = in concert, in tandem, neck and neck, in a tandem fashion, in parallel.

* a la par que = in tandem with, hand in hand (with), as the same time as.

* a la parrilla = grilled, on the grill.

* a la perfección = superbly.

* a la plancha = griddled, on the griddle, on the hotplate.

* a largo plazo = in the long term, over the long term, long-range, in the long run, long-term, over the long run, over the long haul, long-run, in the far term, far-term.

* a la salida = on the way out.

* a la sazón = at that time.

* a las doce del mediodía = at high noon.

* a la semana = a week, per week.

* a las mil maravillas = marvellously [marvelously, -USA], famously, like a house on fire.

* a la sombra de = in the shadow of.

* a las puertas de = on the threshold of.

* a la última = hip [hipper -comp., hippest -sup.], on the fast track, hipped.

* a la vanguardia = on the cutting edge, on the leading edge, in the fast lane, on the fast track, at the leading edge, on the bleeding edge.

* a la vanguardia de = in the vanguard of, at the forefront of, in the forefront of/in, at the vanguard of.

* a la velocidad de la luz = at the speed of light.

* a la velocidad del rayo = at the speed of lightning.

* a la velocidad del sonido = at the speed of sound.

* a la venta = on release.

* a la vez = at once, at one time, at similar times, at the same time, concurrently, side-by-side, simultaneously, at the same instant, in parallel, in tandem, at the one time, in a tandem fashion, at a time, in unison.

* a la vez que = hand in hand (with), cum, in conjunction with, in unison with.

* a la vista = in sight, within sight.

* a la vista de = in light of, in the light of.

* a la vuelta de = on the return leg of.

* a la zaga = not far behind, in tow.

* al azar = lucky draw, lucky dip.

* al extremo norte = northernmost.

* al extremo oeste = westernmost.

* al hacer esto = in doing so.

* al norte del estado = upstate.

* a lo extremo = to the extreme.

* a lo grande = in a big way, big time, grandly, on a grand scale.

* a lo hecho, pecho = no use crying over spilt/spilled milk, you've made your bed, now you must lie in it!.

* a lo largo de = along, down, throughout.

* a lo largo de + Expresión Temporal = sometime + Expresión Temporal.

* a lo largo de la historia = over time.

* a lo largo de la ruta = along the way.

* a lo largo del tiempo = longitudinal, longitudinally.

* a lo largo de todo = the entire length of.

* a lo largo y ancho del país = countrywide [country-wide].

* a lo largo y ancho de + Lugar = up and down + Lugar.

* a lo lejos = in the distance.

* a lo loco = helter-skelter, like there's no tomorrow.

* a lo máximo = at best, at most, at the most.

* a lo mejor = perhaps.

* a lo que salga = come what may.

* a los ojos de = in the eyes of.

* a lo sumo = at best, at most, at the most.

* al otro lado del atlántico = across the pond.

* al otro lado del charco = across the pond.

* al otro lado del océano = across the pond.

* a lo zombi = zombielike.

* a mano = by hand, manually, nearby [near-by], handy, within reach, within easy reach.

* a mano alzada = by a show of hands.

* a mano derecha de = on the right side of, on the right-hand side of.

* a manojos = by the handful.

* a manos de = at the hands of.

* a marchas forzadas = in a rush, against the clock.

* a mares = cats and dogs.

* a más largo plazo = longer-term.

* a más..., más... = the + Comparativo..., the + Comparativo....

* a más tardar = at the latest.

* a mata caballo = in a hurry, hurried, hurriedly, helter-skelter.

* a media asta = at half-mast, at half staff.

* a mediados de = in the middle decades of.

* a mediados de + Fecha = in the mid + Fecha.

* a mediados de semana = midweek.

* a media jornada = half-time [half time].

* a media mañana = mid-morning.

* a medianoche = at midnight.

* a medias = half-hearted [halfhearted], qualified.

* a medias entre... y... = betwixt and between.

* a medida = custom, bespoke.

* a medida que + avanzar + el año = as the year + wear on.

* a medida que + avanzar + el día = as the day + wear on.

* a medida que pasaba el tiempo = as time passed (by), as time went by.

* a medida que pasa el tiempo = as time passes (by).

* a medida que pasa + Expresión Temporal = as + Expresión Temporal + go by.

* a medida que + pasar + el año = as the year + wear on.

* a medida que + pasar + el día = as the day + wear on.

* a medida que se necesite = on demand, on request, as required.

* a medida que + transcurrir + el año = as the year + wear on.

* a medida que + transcurrir + el día = as the day + wear on.

* a medio abrir = half-opened.

* a medio camino = halfway [half-way/half way].

* a medio comprender = half-understood.

* a medio formar = half-formed.

* a medio fuego = medium heat.

* a medio hacer = halfway done, half done.

* a medio plazo = medium-term, near-term, in the medium term, in the mid-term, mid-term [midterm].

* a medio rimar = half-rhymed.

* a medio vestir = half dressed.

* a menor escala = at a reduced rate.

* a menos que = unless, short of.

* a menudo = oftentimes [often times], ofttimes [oft-times].

* a merced de = at the mercy of.

* a mí = me.

* a mi entender = to my mind.

* a mi modo de ver = in my books.

* a mi parecer = to my mind, methinks, in my books.

* a mitad de = half way through, halfway through.

* a mitad de camino = halfway [half-way/half way].

* a mitad de camino entre... y... = midway between, half way between... and....

* a mitad de camino entre... y... = astride... and....

* a mitad de precio = at half price.

* a mí también me gustaría tener la misma oportunidad = turnabout is fair play.

* a modo de = by way of, in the vein of, as a kind of.

* a modo de aclaración = in parenthesis, on a sidenote.

* a modo de advertencia = cautionary.

* a modo de ejemplo = by way of illustration.

* a modo de explicación = parenthetically.

* a modo de ilustración = by way of illustration.

* a modo de inciso = in passing, by the way of (a) digression.

* a modo de paréntesis = parenthetical.

* a modo de prólogo = prefatory.

* a modo de resumen = wrap-up.

* a mogollón = aplenty [a-plenty].

* a montón = aplenty [a-plenty].

* a montones = in droves, by the sackful.

* a muchos niveles = many-levelled [many-leveled, -USA].

* a muerte = bitter, bitterly.

* a nadie le importa nada = nobody + gives a damn.

* a nivel de barrio = neighbourhood-based.

* a nivel de calle = on the ground level.

* a nivel de la calle = at ground level.

* a nivel del suelo = at ground level.

* a nivel estatal = statewide [state-wide].

* a nivel federal = federally, federally.

* a nivel individual = privately.

* a nivel local = locally, domestically.

* a nivel multicultural = multi-culturally [multiculturally].

* a nivel mundial = worldwide [world-wide], globally.

* a nivel nacional = nationally, domestically, countrywide [country-wide].

* a nivel privado = privately.

* a nivel regional = regionally.

* a nombre de = payable to.

* a no ser que = unless.

* a nosotros = us.

* a ojo = ocular.

* a ojos vista = before + Posesivo + (own two) eyes.

* a orillas del océano = oceanfront.

* a orillas del río = riverfront.

* a orillas de un lago = lakeside, lakefront, by the lakeside.

* a otro sitio = somewhere else.

* a pares = in pairs.

* a partes iguales = share and share alike, in equal measure(s).

* a partir de = on the basis of, based on, working from, from, on a diet of, in response to.

* a partir de ahora = from now on, from this point on, henceforth, as of now.

* a partir de ahora y durante + Cuantificador + años = for + Cuantificador + years to come.

* a partir de aquí = hereupon.

* a partir de ello = therefrom.

* a partir de entonces = from this time on, hereafter, thereafter, whereafter, from then on, thenceforth, henceforth, from that moment on.

* a partir de ese momento = from that moment on.

* a partir de este momento = hereinafter.

* a partir de esto = on this basis, on that basis.

* a partir de + Fecha = from + Fecha, effective + Fecha.

* a partir de hoy = as from today.

* a partir de la medianoche = late night.

* a partir de los títulos = title-based.

* a paso de tortuga = at a snail's pace.

* a paso ligero = on the double.

* a pasos agigantados = at an exponential rate, at exponential rates, by leaps and bounds.

* a pedir de boca = without a hitch.

* a pequeña escala = in a small way, small scale [small-scale].

* a perpetuidad = in perpetuity.

* a pesar de (que) = albeit (that), despite, in spite of, notwithstanding, although, despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that.

* a pesar de todo = all the same, in spite of everything, despite everything, despite it all, in spite of it all, all this said.

* a pesar de todo + Posesivo + Nombre = for all + Posesivo + Nombre.

* a petición de = at the request of, at the urging of, at the behest of.

* a petición del usuario = on demand, on request.

* a petición popular = by popular demand.

* a pie = on foot, afoot, dismounted.

* a pilas = battery-operated.

* a pique = sinking.

* a placer = at will.

* a plena luz del día = in broad daylight.

* a poca distancia = not far behind.

* a poca distancia andando = within walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a poca distancia a pie = within an easy walk, within walking distance.

* a pocos minutos andando = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a pocos minutos a pie = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a porrillo = by the handful.

* a + Posesivo + aire = to + Posesivo + heart's content.

* a + Posesivo + alcance = in the ballpark for + Pronombre, in + Posesivo + ballpark range.

* a + Posesivo + costa = at + Posesivo + expense.

* a + Posesivo + cuidado = in + Posesivo + safekeeping.

* a + Posesivo + discreción = at will, at + Posesivo + discretion.

* a + Posesivo + disposición = at + Posesivo + disposal.

* a + Posesivo + entender = to the best of + Posesivo + belief.

* a + Posesivo + espaldas = behind + Posesivo + back.

* a + Posesivo + expensas = at + Posesivo + expense.

* a + Posesivo + favor = in + Posesivo + favour, to + Posesivo + credit.

* a + Posesivo + juicio = in + Posesivo + estimation.

* a + Posesivo + manera = in + Posesivo + own way.

* a + Posesivo + saber = to the best of + Posesivo + knowledge.

* a + Posesivo + saber y entender = to the best of + Posesivo + knowledge and belief.

* a + Posesivo + servicio = at + Posesivo + service.

* a + Posesivo + sorprender = much to + Posesivo + surprise.

* a + Posesivo + vista = before + Posesivo + (own two) eyes.

* a posteriori = reactive, in retrospect, after-the-fact, hindsight, with hindsight, a posteriori, in hindsight.

* a precio de coste = at cost price, at cost.

* a precio de costo = at cost price, at cost.

* a precio de ganga = at a steal.

* a precio especial = at reduced cost, discounted, cut-rate, cut-price.

* a precio razonable = at reasonable cost(s).

* a precio reducido = at a discount.

* a precios competitivos = competitively priced.

* a precios especiales = at reduced rates, at preferential rates.

* a precios razonables = at affordable prices.

* a presión = pressurised [pressurized, -USA].

* a primera hora de la mañana = first thing in the morning.

* a primera hora de + Período del Día = first thing + Período del Día.

* a primeras horas de la tarde = late afternoon.

* a primera vista = on first acquaintance, at first sight, on first inspection, on the face of it, at first blush, at first glance, on the surface, prima facie, first-blush.

* a primeros de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha.

* a principios de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha.

* a principios de los + Década = early + Década, the.

* a priori = proactive [pro-active], foresight, a priori, on the surface.

* a prisa = quickly.

* a propósito = deliberate, for the record, incidentally, intentionally, by the way, in passing, anecdotally, purposely, by design, on purpose, wilfully [willfully, -USA], on a sidenote, studiously, by the way of (a) digression, by the by(e), speaking of which, designedly.

* a propósito de = apropos of.

* a propósito de nada = for no specific reason, for no particular reason.

* a prueba = on trial.

* a prueba de bombas = ruggedised [ruggedized, -USA], bomb-proof.

* a prueba de conejos = rabbit-proof.

* a prueba de fallos = fail-safe.

* a prueba de incendios = fireproof [fire-proof].

* a prueba de niños = childproof.

* a prueba de robos = theft proof.

* a prueba de tornados = tornado proof.

* a prueba de un tratamiento duro = ruggedised [ruggedized, -USA].

* a prueba de viento = windproof.

* a puerta cerrada = behind closed doors.

* a punta de pistola = at gunpoint.

* a punto de = on the verge of, a heartbeat away from.

* a punto de + Infinitivo = about to + Infinitivo.

* a punto de irse a pique = on the rocks.

* a punto de morir = on + Posesivo + deathbed.

* a puñados = by the sackful, by the handful.

* a quemarropa = point blank.

* a quien madruga, Dios le ayuda = the early bird catches the worm.

* a quienquiera que = whomever.

* a rachas = by fits and starts.

* a ráfagas = in bursts.

* a raíz de = in the wake of.

* a rajatabla = to the letter.

* a ras de = flush with.

* a ras de la calle = ground-floor.

* a ras del suelo = at ground level.

* a rastras = in tow.

* a ratos = intermittently.

* a reacción = jet-assisted.

* a rebosar (de) = jam-packed (with), filled to capacity.

* a regañadientes = grudgingly, grudging, begrudgingly, unwillingly, reluctantly.

* a régimen = on a diet.

* a remolque = in tow.

* a reventar (de) = jam-packed (with), filled to capacity.

* a saber = namely, viz, to wit.

* a sabiendas = knowing, knowingly, wilfully [willfully, -USA].

* a sabiendas de que = on the understanding that.

* a sacudidas = jerkily.

* a saltitos = jerky [jerkier -comp., jerkiest -sup.].

* a salvo = in a safe place, in safekeeping, out of harm's way.

* a sangre fría = cold-blooded.

* a ser posible = if possible.

* a simple vista = by the naked eye, superficially, on first thought.

* a solas = all by + Reflexivo, by + Reflexivo.

* a su debido tiempo = in due course, timely, in due time.

* a sueldo = paid.

* a su precio normal = at full price.

* a su propio ritmo = at an individual pace.

* a su tiempo = in a timely fashion, in due course, in a timely manner.

* a su vez = Verbo + further, in turn, in its/their turn.

* a tal efecto = to this effect.

* a tales efectos = hereto.

* a tarifa reducida = at reduced cost.

* a tarifas especiales = at reduced rates, at preferential rates.

* a temperatura ambiente = at room temperature.

* a tener en cuenta en el futuro = for future reference.

* a tenor de = in light of, in the face of, in the light of, in view of.

* a ti = you, thee.

* a tiempo = in timely fashion, on time, promptly, timely, just in time, in time.

* a tiempo completo = full-time.

* a tiempo parcial = part-time.

* a tientas = in the dark.

* a tientas y a ciegas = blindly, in the dark.

* a ti mismo = yourself, thyself.

* a tiro = within gunshot, within range.

* a tirones = jerky [jerkier -comp., jerkiest -sup.].

* a título de = by way of, for the sake of.

* a título gratuito = gratuitous.

* a título personal = in a personal capacity, in a private capacity.

* a toda costa = absolutely, at all costs, come what may, at any cost, at any price.

* a toda máquina = in the fast lane, fast lane, full steam ahead, at full tilt, full-tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed.

* a toda marcha = at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a toda mecha = at a rate of knots, full steam ahead, at full blast, at full throttle, at top speed, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a toda pasta = at a rate of knots.

* a toda pastilla = in the fast lane, on the fast track, fast lane, overdrive, full steam ahead, full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at a rate of knots, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed.

* a toda prueba = unswerving.

* a todas horas = at all hours, around the clock.

* a todas luces = patently.

* a todas partes = far and wide.

* a toda velocidad = full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed.

* a todo alrededor = all round.

* a todo color = full-colour, in full colour.

* a todo gas = full steam ahead, full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a todo lo largo de = the length of.

* a todo meter = full steam ahead, at full stretch, at full speed, at full blast, at top speed, at full throttle.

* a todo ritmo = in full swing, in full force, in full gear.

* a todos lados = far and wide.

* a todos los efectos = to all intents and purposes, to all intents, for all practical purposes, for all intents and purposes.

* a todos los niveles = at all levels.

* a todos nosotros = us all.

* a todos por igual = one size fits all.

* a todo vapor = full steam ahead, full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a todo volumen = at full blast.

* a tontas y a ciegas = headlong, runaway.

* a tontas y locas = like there's no tomorrow, without rhyme or reason.

* a tope = packed to capacity, in the fast lane, fast lane, choc-a-block, chock-full, in full swing, in full gear, packed to the rafters.

* a trancas y barrancas = with great difficulty, by fits and starts.

* a través de = by way of, in the form of, through, via, out of, through the agency of.

* a través de Internet = Internet-based, Web-based, Web-supported.

* a través de la historia = over time.

* a través de la TI = IT-enabled.

* a través de la web = Web-based, Web-supported.

* a través de los años = over the years, down the years.

* a través de los ojos de = through the eyes of.

* a través de los siglos = over the centuries.

* a través del teléfono = call-in.

* a través del tiempo = over time.

* a través de operador = operator-assisted.

* a tres bandas = three pronged.

* a tres niveles = three-tiered.

* a troche y moche = like there's no tomorrow.

* a trompicones = by fits and starts.

* a tropezones = falteringly, hesitantly, haltingly, jerkily.

* a trozos = piecewise.

* ¡A tu salud! = Here's to you!.

* a última hora = at the last minute, at the eleventh hour, last minute [last-minute], at the very last minute, at the very last moment, at the very last.

* a últimas horas de la tarde = late evening.

Multiple Entries:
A    
a
A,

a preposición Nota:
La preposición a suele emplearse precedida de ciertos verbos como empezar, ir, oler, sonar etc, en cuyo caso ver bajo el respectivo verbo.No se traduce cuando introduce el complemento directo de persona (ser humano, pronombres personales que lo representan, como quien, alguien, algún etc) o un nombre con un objeto o animal personalizado: amo a mi patria = I love my country, paseo a mi perro = I walk my dog.En los casos en que precede al artículo definido el para formar la contracción al, ver bajo la siguiente entrada, donde también se encontrarán otros ejemplos y usos de a.
1


voy a casa I'm going home;
se cayó al río she fell into the river


a orillas del Ebro on the banks of the Ebro;
se sentó al sol he sat in the sun;
se sentó a mi derecha he sat down on my right


2


a la hora de comer at lunch time;
¿a qué hora vengo? what time shall I come?;
a mediados de abril in mid-April;
al día siguiente the next o following day




al enterarse de la noticia when he learnt o on learning the news



( antes) a few minutes before she arrived;

3 (en relaciones de proporción, equivalencia):

sale a 100 euros cada uno it works out at 100 euros each;
a 100 kilómetros por hora (at) 100 kilometers per hour;
nos ganaron cinco a tres they beat us five three o (AmE) five to three
4 (indicando modo, medio, estilo):

a crédito on credit;
funciona a pilas it runs on batteries;
a mano by hand;
a rayas striped;
vestirse a lo punk to wear punk clothes
5


no he leído a Freud I haven't read (any) Freud


dáselo a ella give it to her;
les enseña inglés a mis hijos she teaches my children English;
le echó (la) llave a la puerta she locked the door


A, a f (letra) A
'A' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
a. C.
- a.m.
- abajeña
- abajeño
- abanderada
- abanderado
- abandonar
- abandonada
- abandonado
- abanico
- abarquillada
- abarquillado
- abarrotada
- abarrotado
- abasto
- abatida
- abatido
- abatirse
- abdicar
- aberración
- abertura
- abierta
- abierto
- abigarrada
- abigarrado
- abigarrar
- ablandar
- ablusada
- ablusado
- abnegada
- abnegado
- abobada
- abobado
- abocada
- abocado
- abogacía
- abogada
- abogado
- abombada
- abombado
- abonar
- abonada
- abonado
- abonarse
- abono
- abordar
- abordaje
- aborregar
- abortar
- abortiva
English:
A
- A-level
- a.m.
- abandon
- abandoned
- abide by
- ability
- abject
- abnormal
- aboard
- aborigine
- abortion
- abortive
- about
- above
- above-board
- above-mentioned
- abrasive
- abreast
- abridged
- abrupt
- absent
- absent-minded
- absolute
- absolutely
- absorbed
- abstemious
- abstract
- absurd
- abundant
- abuse
- abusive
- abysmal
- academic
- academy
- accede
- accent
- acceptable
- access
- accident-prone
- accidental
- accidentally
- acclimatized
- accommodate
- accommodation
- accomplish
- accomplished
- account
- account for
- accountable
[letra] A, a;

1. (f. - primera)

adj.

1) first

2) former

3) prime

2. (f. - primera)

noun

first

3. adv.

first

* * *

primero, -a

1. ADJ

( antes de sm sing primer)

1) [en el espacio] [página, planta] first; [fila] front, first

vivo en el primer piso — I live on the first o (EEUU) second floor

una foto en primera página — a front-page photo, a photo on the front page

las primeras páginas del libro — the first few pages of the book

un apartamento en primera línea de playa — an apartment right on the sea front

• estar primero — [en una cola] to be first; [en importancia] to come first

perdone, pero yo estaba primero — excuse me, but I was first

para mí primero están mis estudios — my studies take priority o come first

primero está la obligación y después la diversión — business before pleasure

plana 1), plano 2., 3)

2) [en el tiempo] [día, semana, fase] first; [época, poemas] early; [síntoma] first, early

la primera parte del partido — the first half of the match

una novela escrita en primera persona — a novel written in the first person

no es la primera vez — it is not the first time

Juan Carlos Primero — Juan Carlos the First

los primeros días estaba contento — I was happy for the first few days

sus dos primeras novelas — his first two novels

la primera época de Picasso — Picasso's early period

• en los primeros años del siglo — in the early years of the century

• a primera hora (de la mañana) — first thing in the morning

mañana a primera hora — first thing tomorrow (morning)

a primeras horas de la tarde de ayer — early yesterday afternoon

• en primer lugar — [dentro de un orden] first of all; [para dar énfasis] in the first place

en primer lugar vamos a visitar el Partenón — first of all we are going to visit the Parthenon

en primer lugar, tú no deberías haber dicho nada — in the first place, you shouldn't have said anything

hora 2), b), guerra 1)

3) (=principal) [deber, objetivo] main, primary

lo primero es que te pongas bueno — the main thing is that you get well

productos de primera calidad — top quality products

artículos de primera necesidad — basic essentials, staple items

• primer actor — leading man

• primera actriz — leading lady

• primeros auxilios — first aid

el botiquín de primeros auxilios — the first-aid box

• de primera categoría — first-class

un puerto de primera categoría — (Ciclismo) a first-category climb

• primer espada — (Taur) principal bullfighter

• primer violín — (=concertino) leader; [de sección] first violin

- lo primero es lo primero

bailarín, dama, mandatario, ministro, piedra

2.

SM / F first

soy el primero de la lista — I'm top of the list, I'm first on the list

quedó entre los diez primeros — he was in o among the first ten

es la primera de la clase — she is the best in the class, she is top of the class

fui la primera en darme cuenta del fallo — I was the first to realize the mistake

llegar el primero — to be the first to arrive

bueno 1., 9), vista 1., 6), d), primera

3. SM

1)

• a primeros (de mes) — at the beginning of the month

a primeros de junio — at the beginning of June

2) (tb: primer plato) starter, first course

¿qué van a tomar de primero? — what will you have as a starter o for the first course?

4. ADV

1) (=en primer lugar) first

primero iremos a comprar y luego al cine — first, we'll do the shopping and then go to the cinema

2) [indicando preferencia] sooner, rather

primero se queda en casa que pedir dinero — she'd sooner o rather stay at home than ask for money

¡primero morir! — I'd rather die!

* * *

I

- ra adjetivo/pronombre [ primer is used before masculine singular nouns]

1) (en el espacio, el tiempo) first

vivo en el primer piso — I live on the second (AmE) o (BrE) first floor

en primer lugar... — first (of all),..., firstly,...

las diez primeras páginas — the first ten pages

sus primeros poemas — her early o first poems

1^o de julio — (read as: primero de julio) 1st July, July 1st (léase: July the first)

Olaf I — (read as: Olaf primero) Olaf I (léase: Olaf the First)

la primera fila — the front row

a primeras horas de la madrugada — in the early hours of the morning

mañana a primera hora — first thing tomorrow

- primera plana

- primeros auxilios

- primer plano

- primer plato

2) (en calidad, jerarquía)

un artículo de primerísima calidad — a top-quality product

de primera categoría — first-class, first-rate

es el primero de la clase — he is top of the class

es el primer atleta del país — he is the country's top athlete

la primera empresa mundial — the world's leading company

de primera — first-class, first-rate

- primer ministro -ra ministra

3) (básico, fundamental)

nuestro primer objetivo — our primary objective

artículos de primera necesidad — basic necessities

lo primero es... — the most important thing is...

II

adverbio

1) ( en el tiempo) first

2) ( en importancia)

estar primero — to come first

primero el deber (y después el placer) — business before pleasure

* * *

= early [earlier -comp., earliest -sup.], first (1st), foremost, first ever, topmost [top most], top-of-mind.

Ex. Microforms are easy to use, although there were early reservations concerning the fact that users need to become familiar with any specific kind of microform and its reader.

Ex. The first objective, however, is best satisfied by the second policy.

Ex. Foremost among those recommendations was one pertaining to the development of a UNIMARC format for authorities.

Ex. In April 1993 the first ever computer crime legislation came into existence in Hong Kong.

Ex. Thus each heap was delivered to the warehouseman with the final impressions of both formes on the topmost sheet.

Ex. Computer security is a top-of-mind subject for both IT managers and their corporate bosses.

----

* alumno de primer año = first grader.

* alumno de primer curso = first grader.

* alumno de primero = first grader.

* amor a primera vista = love at first sight.

* aparecer por primera vez = premiere.

* a primera hora de la mañana = first thing in the morning.

* a primera hora de + Período del Día = first thing + Período del Día.

* a primeras horas de la tarde = late afternoon.

* a primera vista = on first acquaintance, at first sight, on first inspection, on the face of it, at first blush, at first glance, on the surface, prima facie, first-blush.

* a primeros de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha.

* asesinato en primer grado = first-degree murder.

* asiento de primera fila = ringside seat, ringside ticket.

* atacar primero = preemptive strike.

* botiquín de primeros auxilios = first-aid kit.

* butaca de primera fila = ringside seat, ringside ticket.

* cabo primero = lance corporal.

* causar una buena primera impresión = make + a good first impression.

* causar una primera impresión = make + a first impression.

* colocar como primer elemento de un encabezamiento compuesto = lead.

* como primera elección = as a first preference.

* con el primer intento = at the first shot.

* conocer de primera mano = know + first-hand.

* contratar al primero que solicita el trabajo = hire on a first-come, first-take basis.

* correo de primera clase = first class post.

* dar el primer paso = make + a start, take + the first step.

* dar los primeros pasos en = venture into.

* de buenas a primeras = right off the bat, suddenly, without warning, all of a sudden, just like that.

* de primera = best-quality, top-notch, blue chip [blue-chip], prime, tip-top, first-rate.

* de primera calidad = premium, premier.

* de primera clase = first class, first-rate, tip-top.

* de primera línea = first-line.

* de primera magnitud = fully blown.

* de primera mano = at first hand, first-hand [firsthand], first-person.

* de primera persona = first-person.

* de primeras = at first sight, on the face of it, at first glance, first-blush, up-front [up front].

* de primer grado = in the first degree.

* de primer nivel = first-level.

* de primer orden = first-order [1st-order], world-class, blue chip [blue-chip].

* descripción bibliográfica de primer nivel = first-level bibliographic description.

* desde el primer día = from day one.

* desde el primer momento = from the word go, from the word get-go.

* desde los primeros tiempos = since the earliest of times, from earliest times.

* desventaja del primero en tomar la iniciativa = first-mover disadvantage.

* desventaja del primero que hace Algo = first-mover disadvantage, first-mover advantage.

* dilema de qué es primero el huevo o la gallina = chicken and egg situation.

* durante los primeros años = during the early years.

* el primer intento = the first time around.

* el primer + Nombre = the earliest + Nombre.

* el primero mencionado = former.

* encargado de prestar los primeros auxilios = first aider.

* en el primer caso = in the former case.

* en los primeros años de = early in.

* en los primeros años de vida = early in life.

* en primera instancia = in the first instance.

* en primera línea = in the front line, first-line, on the front line.

* en primer lugar = firstly, in the first place, in the first instance, first and foremost, first off.

* escuela de primer ciclo de secundaria = intermediate school.

* estar entre los primeros = stay on top.

* estudiante de primer año = freshman [freshmen, -pl.], first-year student.

* experiencia de primera mano = first-hand experience.

* hacer los primeros pinitos = take + the first step.

* inicial del primer nombre de pila = first initial.

* ir primero = lead + the way.

* la primera tentativa = the first time around.

* la primera vez = the first time around.

* lo primero = for one, first off.

* lo primero de todo = first of all, first off.

* mostrar por primera vez = premiere.

* Nombre + por primera vez = Nombre + ever.

* ocupar un primer lugar = stand + first.

* pasar al primer plano = take + centre stage.

* poner en primer plano = foreground.

* por primera vez = first + Verbo, for the first time, for once.

* Posesivo + primeros pasos = Posesivo + first steps.

* Posesivo + primeros pinitos = Posesivo + first steps.

* primera cita = first date.

* primera comunión = first communion.

* primera división = premiership.

* Primera División, la = First Division, the.

* Primera Edición de las Reglas de Catalogación Anglo-Americanas (RCAA1) = AACR1 (Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules 1st Edition).

* Primera Enmienda, la = First Amendment, the.

* primera época, la = early days, the.

* primera escena, la = opening scene, the.

* primera etapa = early days.

* Primera Guerra Mundial = First World War (World War I), World War I [First World War].

* primera impresión = first impression.

* primera infancia = babyhood, early childhood.

* primera línea = front-line [front line], front-line, forefront.

* primera línea de defensa = first line of defence.

* primera manga = first leg, away game.

* primera medida = initial step.

* primer antepasado = primogenitor.

* primer año de carrera = freshman year.

* primer año de estudios superiores = freshman year.

* primera palabra del encabezamiento = entry word.

* primera parada = first stop.

* primera persona = first person.

* primera plana = front page [front-page].

* primera posición = pole position, pole start.

* primera posición de salida = pole start.

* primera prensada = first cold press.

* primera referencia = first stop.

* primera reunión = starter meeting.

* primeras horas de la madrugada = late night.

* primeras palabras = opening statement.

* primera vez, la = first time, the.

* primer aviso = smoke signal.

* primer curso = first grade.

* primer escalafón laboral = entry position.

* primer heredero = heir apparent [heiress apparent].

* primer indicio = smoke signal.

* primer lugar de consulta = first stop.

* primer meridiano = prime meridian.

* primer ministro = Premier, prime minister.

* primer molar = six-year molar.

* primer molar permanente = first molar.

* primero en hacer Algo = first mover.

* primero en tomar la iniciativa = first mover.

* primero entre pares = first among equals.

* primero, lo = first thing, the.

* primero que nada = first off.

* primeros auxilios = first-aid.

* primeros impresos = early imprints.

* primero y principal = first and foremost.

* primer paso = stake in the ground.

* primer paso de, el = thin edge of the wedge, the.

* primer plano = close up, foreground, limelight, centre stage, forefront.

* primer plato = side entrée.

* primer puesto + ser para = pride of place + go to.

* primer punto de contacto = port of first call.

* primer punto de contacto, el = first port of call, the.

* primer recurso = first recourse.

* primer y segundo plato = main dish.

* proceso en primera instancia = proceeding in the first instance.

* provisiones de primera necesidad = basic provisions, basic goods.

* que no aparece en primer lugar = nonfirst [non-first].

* relato de primera mano = eyewitness report, eyewitness account, first-hand account.

* sala de primeros auxilios = emergency room.

* sargento primero = lance sergeant.

* seguir entre los primeros = remain on top.

* sentirse de primera = feel + tip-top.

* ser de primera categoría = be top notch.

* ser el primero = be second to none, come out on + top.

* ser el primero en = lead + the way in.

* ser el primero en + Infinitivo = take + the lead in + Gerundio.

* situado en primer lugar = top-ranked, top-rated.

* una primera y última vez = a first and last time.

* un + Nombre + a primera hora de la maña = an early morning + Nombre.

* ventaja del primero en tomar la iniciativa = first-mover advantage.

* visión de primera fila = ringside seat, ringside view.

* * *

I

- ra adjetivo/pronombre [ primer is used before masculine singular nouns]

1) (en el espacio, el tiempo) first

vivo en el primer piso — I live on the second (AmE) o (BrE) first floor

en primer lugar... — first (of all),..., firstly,...

las diez primeras páginas — the first ten pages

sus primeros poemas — her early o first poems

1^o de julio — (read as: primero de julio) 1st July, July 1st (léase: July the first)

Olaf I — (read as: Olaf primero) Olaf I (léase: Olaf the First)

la primera fila — the front row

a primeras horas de la madrugada — in the early hours of the morning

mañana a primera hora — first thing tomorrow

- primera plana

- primeros auxilios

- primer plano

- primer plato

2) (en calidad, jerarquía)

un artículo de primerísima calidad — a top-quality product

de primera categoría — first-class, first-rate

es el primero de la clase — he is top of the class

es el primer atleta del país — he is the country's top athlete

la primera empresa mundial — the world's leading company

de primera — first-class, first-rate

- primer ministro -ra ministra

3) (básico, fundamental)

nuestro primer objetivo — our primary objective

artículos de primera necesidad — basic necessities

lo primero es... — the most important thing is...

II

adverbio

1) ( en el tiempo) first

2) ( en importancia)

estar primero — to come first

primero el deber (y después el placer) — business before pleasure

* * *

= early [earlier -comp., earliest -sup.], first (1st), foremost, first ever, topmost [top most], top-of-mind.

Ex: Microforms are easy to use, although there were early reservations concerning the fact that users need to become familiar with any specific kind of microform and its reader.

Ex: The first objective, however, is best satisfied by the second policy.

Ex: Foremost among those recommendations was one pertaining to the development of a UNIMARC format for authorities.

Ex: In April 1993 the first ever computer crime legislation came into existence in Hong Kong.

Ex: Thus each heap was delivered to the warehouseman with the final impressions of both formes on the topmost sheet.

Ex: Computer security is a top-of-mind subject for both IT managers and their corporate bosses.

* alumno de primer año = first grader.

* alumno de primer curso = first grader.

* alumno de primero = first grader.

* amor a primera vista = love at first sight.

* aparecer por primera vez = premiere.

* a primera hora de la mañana = first thing in the morning.

* a primera hora de + Período del Día = first thing + Período del Día.

* a primeras horas de la tarde = late afternoon.

* a primera vista = on first acquaintance, at first sight, on first inspection, on the face of it, at first blush, at first glance, on the surface, prima facie, first-blush.

* a primeros de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha.

* asesinato en primer grado = first-degree murder.

* asiento de primera fila = ringside seat, ringside ticket.

* atacar primero = preemptive strike.

* botiquín de primeros auxilios = first-aid kit.

* butaca de primera fila = ringside seat, ringside ticket.

* cabo primero = lance corporal.

* causar una buena primera impresión = make + a good first impression.

* causar una primera impresión = make + a first impression.

* colocar como primer elemento de un encabezamiento compuesto = lead.

* como primera elección = as a first preference.

* con el primer intento = at the first shot.

* conocer de primera mano = know + first-hand.

* contratar al primero que solicita el trabajo = hire on a first-come, first-take basis.

* correo de primera clase = first class post.

* dar el primer paso = make + a start, take + the first step.

* dar los primeros pasos en = venture into.

* de buenas a primeras = right off the bat, suddenly, without warning, all of a sudden, just like that.

* de primera = best-quality, top-notch, blue chip [blue-chip], prime, tip-top, first-rate.

* de primera calidad = premium, premier.

* de primera clase = first class, first-rate, tip-top.

* de primera línea = first-line.

* de primera magnitud = fully blown.

* de primera mano = at first hand, first-hand [firsthand], first-person.

* de primera persona = first-person.

* de primeras = at first sight, on the face of it, at first glance, first-blush, up-front [up front].

* de primer grado = in the first degree.

* de primer nivel = first-level.

* de primer orden = first-order [1st-order], world-class, blue chip [blue-chip].

* descripción bibliográfica de primer nivel = first-level bibliographic description.

* desde el primer día = from day one.

* desde el primer momento = from the word go, from the word get-go.

* desde los primeros tiempos = since the earliest of times, from earliest times.

* desventaja del primero en tomar la iniciativa = first-mover disadvantage.

* desventaja del primero que hace Algo = first-mover disadvantage, first-mover advantage.

* dilema de qué es primero el huevo o la gallina = chicken and egg situation.

* durante los primeros años = during the early years.

* el primer intento = the first time around.

* el primer + Nombre = the earliest + Nombre.

* el primero mencionado = former.

* encargado de prestar los primeros auxilios = first aider.

* en el primer caso = in the former case.

* en los primeros años de = early in.

* en los primeros años de vida = early in life.

* en primera instancia = in the first instance.

* en primera línea = in the front line, first-line, on the front line.

* en primer lugar = firstly, in the first place, in the first instance, first and foremost, first off.

* escuela de primer ciclo de secundaria = intermediate school.

* estar entre los primeros = stay on top.

* estudiante de primer año = freshman [freshmen, -pl.], first-year student.

* experiencia de primera mano = first-hand experience.

* hacer los primeros pinitos = take + the first step.

* inicial del primer nombre de pila = first initial.

* ir primero = lead + the way.

* la primera tentativa = the first time around.

* la primera vez = the first time around.

* lo primero = for one, first off.

* lo primero de todo = first of all, first off.

* mostrar por primera vez = premiere.

* Nombre + por primera vez = Nombre + ever.

* ocupar un primer lugar = stand + first.

* pasar al primer plano = take + centre stage.

* poner en primer plano = foreground.

* por primera vez = first + Verbo, for the first time, for once.

* Posesivo + primeros pasos = Posesivo + first steps.

* Posesivo + primeros pinitos = Posesivo + first steps.

* primera cita = first date.

* primera comunión = first communion.

* primera división = premiership.

* Primera División, la = First Division, the.

* Primera Edición de las Reglas de Catalogación Anglo-Americanas (RCAA1) = AACR1 (Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules 1st Edition).

* Primera Enmienda, la = First Amendment, the.

* primera época, la = early days, the.

* primera escena, la = opening scene, the.

* primera etapa = early days.

* Primera Guerra Mundial = First World War (World War I), World War I [First World War].

* primera impresión = first impression.

* primera infancia = babyhood, early childhood.

* primera línea = front-line [front line], front-line, forefront.

* primera línea de defensa = first line of defence.

* primera manga = first leg, away game.

* primera medida = initial step.

* primer antepasado = primogenitor.

* primer año de carrera = freshman year.

* primer año de estudios superiores = freshman year.

* primera palabra del encabezamiento = entry word.

* primera parada = first stop.

* primera persona = first person.

* primera plana = front page [front-page].

* primera posición = pole position, pole start.

* primera posición de salida = pole start.

* primera prensada = first cold press.

* primera referencia = first stop.

* primera reunión = starter meeting.

* primeras horas de la madrugada = late night.

* primeras palabras = opening statement.

* primera vez, la = first time, the.

* primer aviso = smoke signal.

* primer curso = first grade.

* primer escalafón laboral = entry position.

* primer heredero = heir apparent [heiress apparent].

* primer indicio = smoke signal.

* primer lugar de consulta = first stop.

* primer meridiano = prime meridian.

* primer ministro = Premier, prime minister.

* primer molar = six-year molar.

* primer molar permanente = first molar.

* primero en hacer Algo = first mover.

* primero en tomar la iniciativa = first mover.

* primero entre pares = first among equals.

* primero, lo = first thing, the.

* primero que nada = first off.

* primeros auxilios = first-aid.

* primeros impresos = early imprints.

* primero y principal = first and foremost.

* primer paso = stake in the ground.

* primer paso de, el = thin edge of the wedge, the.

* primer plano = close up, foreground, limelight, centre stage, forefront.

* primer plato = side entrée.

* primer puesto + ser para = pride of place + go to.

* primer punto de contacto = port of first call.

* primer punto de contacto, el = first port of call, the.

* primer recurso = first recourse.

* primer y segundo plato = main dish.

* proceso en primera instancia = proceeding in the first instance.

* provisiones de primera necesidad = basic provisions, basic goods.

* que no aparece en primer lugar = nonfirst [non-first].

* relato de primera mano = eyewitness report, eyewitness account, first-hand account.

* sala de primeros auxilios = emergency room.

* sargento primero = lance sergeant.

* seguir entre los primeros = remain on top.

* sentirse de primera = feel + tip-top.

* ser de primera categoría = be top notch.

* ser el primero = be second to none, come out on + top.

* ser el primero en = lead + the way in.

* ser el primero en + Infinitivo = take + the lead in + Gerundio.

* situado en primer lugar = top-ranked, top-rated.

* una primera y última vez = a first and last time.

* un + Nombre + a primera hora de la maña = an early morning + Nombre.

* ventaja del primero en tomar la iniciativa = first-mover advantage.

* visión de primera fila = ringside seat, ringside view.

* * *

primero¹ -ra

adjective / pronoun

[ primer is used before masculine singular nouns]

A [ Vocabulary notes (Spanish) ], [ Vocabulary notes (Spanish) ] (en el espacio, el tiempo) first

vivo en el primer piso I live on the second ( AmE) o ( BrE) first floor

en primer lugar vamos a analizar … first (of all) o firstly, we are going to analyze …

las diez primeras páginas the first ten pages

sus primeros poemas her early o first poems

1º de julio/octubre (read as: primero de julio/octubre) 1st July/October, July/October 1st

Olaf Iº (read as: Olaf primero) Olaf I (léase: Olaf the First)

estaba sentado en (la) primera fila he was sitting in the front row

en las primeras horas de la madrugada de ayer in the early hours of yesterday morning

mañana a primera hora first thing tomorrow

soy el primero en reconocerlo I am the first to admit it

Compuestos:

● primera comunión

( Relig) feminine first communion

hacer la primeroa comunión to take one's first communion

● primera enseñanza

feminine elementary o ( BrE) primary education

maestro de primeroa enseñanza elementary o primary school teacher

● primera infancia

feminine early childhood

● primera piedra

feminine foundation stone

● primera plana

feminine front page

salió en primeroa plana en todos los periódicos it made front-page news o the headlines in all the newspapers, it was on the front page of all the newspapers

● primero de año

masculine New Year's Day

● primeros auxilios

mpl first aid

● primer plano

( Fot) masculine close-up, close-up shot

en primer plano ( Art) in the foreground

● primer plato

masculine first course, starter

B

(en calidad, jerarquía): un artículo de primerísima calidad a top-quality product, a product of the very finest o highest quality

de primera categoría first-class, first-rate

es el primero de la clase he is top of the class

es el primer atleta del país he is the country's top athlete

la primera empresa mundial en el campo de la electrónica the world's leading electronics company

de primera ‹comida/cantante› first-class, first-rate

sólo vendemos productos de primera we sell only products of the finest o highest quality

un corte de carne de primera a prime cut of meat

Compuestos:

● primer actor, primera actriz

( masculine) leading man; ( feminine) leading lady

● primera dama

feminine First Lady

● primer bailarín, primera bailarina

( masculine) leading dancer; ( feminine) prima ballerina

● primer espada

( Taur) masculine principal bullfighter

● primer magistrado, primera magistrada

masculine, feminine mandatario m,f A. (↑ mandatario)

● primer mandatario, primera mandataria

( period) masculine, feminine head of state

la entrevista entre ambos primeros mandatarios the meeting between the two heads of state

el primer mandatario estadounidense the president of the United States

● primer ministro, primera ministra

masculine, feminine Prime Minister

● primer secretario

masculine and feminine First Secretary

● primer violín

masculine and feminine concertmaster ( AmE), leader (of the orchestra)

los primeros violines the first violins

C

(básico, fundamental): nuestro primer objetivo es … our primary objective is …

artículos de primera necesidad basic necessities

lo primero es asegurarnos de que no corren peligro the essential o most important thing is to make sure they are not in any danger

primero²

adverb

A (en el tiempo) first

¿por qué no haces primero los deberes? why don't you do your homework first?

B

(en importancia): estar primero to come first

para mí primero está mi familia as far as I'm concerned my family comes first

primero está la obligación y después la diversión business before pleasure

C

(para expresar preferencia): primero se queda sin comer que pedirle dinero she would sooner o rather go hungry than ask him for money

* * *

 

primero

◊ -ra adjetivo/pronombre primer is used before masculine singular nouns

1 (en el espacio, el tiempo) first;

◊ el primer piso the second (AmE) o (BrE) first floor;

en primer lugar … first (of all), …, firstly, …;
1o de julio (read as: primero de julio) 1st July, July 1st (léase: July the first);
Olaf I (read as: Olaf primero) Olaf I (léase: Olaf the First);
a primeras horas de la madrugada in the early hours of the morning;
primera plana front page;
primeros auxilios sustantivo masculino plural
first aid;
primer plano (Fot) close-up (shot)
2 (en calidad, jerarquía):

◊ un artículo de primera calidad a top-quality product;

de primera (categoría) first-class, first-rate;
es el primero de la clase he is top of the class;
primer ministro Prime Minister
3 (básico, fundamental):

◊ nuestro primer objetivo our primary objective;

artículos de primera necesidad basic necessities;
lo primero es … the most important thing is …
■ adverbio
1 ( en el tiempo) first
2 ( en importancia):

◊ estar primero to come first

primero,-a
I adjetivo
1 (en el espacio, en el tiempo) first
primera fila, front row
en los primeros años, in the early years
2 (en calidad, en categoría) first: es el primer actor de la compañía, he's the company's top actor
3 (en importancia) basic, primary
un artículo de primera necesidad, an essential item
II adverbio (orden) first: primero, iremos al supermercado, first, we'll go to the supermarket
♦ Locuciones: a primeros, at the beginning of
a la primera de cambio, as soon as one has the opportunity, given half a chance: no está a gusto en la empresa, así que se irá a la primera de cambio, he's not happy at his company, so he plans to leave as soon as he has the chance
de buenas a primeras, suddenly, unexpectedly
lo primero es lo primero, first things first
' primero' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
ir
- más
- originaria
- originario
- primer
- primera
- residir
- sucesión
- trigésima
- trigésimo
- ante
- estudio
- luego
- mayo
- ocurrir
- vigésimo
English:
after
- born
- come
- first
- former
- go before
- initial
- intro
- leader
- LIFO
- original
- premier
- prime
- raise
- stationary
- to
- year
- consult
- head
- lieutenant
- May
- payable
- pioneer
- put
- space
- start
- the

* * *

primero, -a Primer is used instead of primero before singular masculine nouns (e.g. el primer hombre the first man).

♦ núm adj

1. [en orden] first;

el primer capítulo, el capítulo primero chapter one;

los primeros diez párrafos, los diez párrafos primeros the first ten paragraphs;

Carlos primero [escrito Carlos I] Charles the First [written Charles I];

el siglo primero [también escrito el siglo I] the first century [written 1st century];

el primer piso the Br first o US second floor;

a primera hora de la mañana first thing in the morning;

en primera fila in the front row;

en primer lugar, abre la caja first (of all), open the box;

en primera página on the front page

Comp

primeros auxilios first aid;

prestar primeros auxilios a alguien to give sb first aid;

Dep la primera base [posición] first base; Dep primera base [jugador] first base;

primera comunión first communion;

hacer la primera comunión to celebrate one's first communion;

primera división first division;

Dep primer equipo first team; Mil primera línea front line;

estar en primera línea [de batalla] to be on the front line;

[entre los mejores] to be amongst the best;

primer plano close-up;

en primer plano in the foreground;

primer plato first course, starter

2. [en importancia, calidad] main;

la primera empresa del sector the leading company in the sector;

el primer tenista del país the country's top tennis player;

uno de los primeros objetivos del gobierno one of the government's main aims;

el primer actor the leading man;

la primera actriz the leading lady;

productos de primera calidad top-quality products;

deportistas de primera clase o [m5] categoría o [m5] fila top-class sportsmen;

productos de primera necesidad basic necessities;

lo primero the most important o main thing;

lo primero es lo primero first things first

Comp

primer bailarín leading dancer;

primera bailarina prima ballerina;

primera dama Teatro leading lady;

Pol [esposa del presidente] first lady; Taurom primer espada principal bullfighter;

primer ministro prime minister;

RP primera magistratura presidency;

primer violín first violin

♦ núm nm,f

1. [en orden]

el primero the first one;

el primero fue bueno the first one was good;

llegó el primero he came first;

el primero de la cola the person at the front of the Br queue o US line;

¿quién es el primero de la cola? who's first?;

es el primero de la clase he's top of the class;

él fue el primero en venir he was the first (person o one) to come;

no eres el primero que me pregunta eso you're not the first person to ask me that

2. [mencionado antes]

vinieron Pedro y Juan, el primero con… Pedro and Juan arrived, the former with…

♦ adv

1. [en primer lugar] first;

primero déjame que te explique una cosa let me explain something to you first;

usted estaba primero you were in front of me o first;

¿quién va o [m5] está primero? who's first?;

Am

primero que nada first of all

2. [indica preferencia]

primero… que… rather… than…;

primero morir que traicionarle I'd rather die than betray him

♦ nm

1. [piso] Br first floor, US second floor

2. [curso universitario] first year;

estudiantes de primero first years;

estoy en primero I'm a first year

3. [curso escolar] = first year of primary school, US ≈ first grade

4. [día del mes]

el primero de mayo [también escrito el 1 de mayo] the first of May [written 1 May]

5. [en frases]

a primeros de mes/año at the beginning of the month/year;

a primeros de junio at the beginning of June, in early June;

de primero [de primer plato] for starters

* * *

primero

I adj first

II m, primera f first (one);

a primeros de enero at the beginning of January;

el primero de mayo the first of May;

ser el primero de la clase be top of the class

III pron

:

lo primero (lo más importante) the most important thing

IV adv

1 en posición first

2 ( primeramente) first of all

* * *

primero adv

1) : first

2) : rather, sooner

primero, -ra adj, ( primer before masculine singular nouns)

1) : first

2) : top, leading

3) : fundamental, basic

4)

de primera : first-rate

primero, -ra n

: first

* * *

primero¹ adj pron

1. (en orden) first

el primer día the first day

mis primeros esquís my first skis

llegó la primera she came first

2. (en categoría) top

la primera tenista del país the country's top tennis player

un hotel de primera categoría a top class hotel

es el primero de la clase he's top of the class

a primeros de... at the beginning of...

primeros auxilios first aid

primer plato starter

primero² adv first

primero comemos la sopa first we have soup