"I'll be the first to admit" phrase

Question

"I'll be the first to admit" phrase.What does this mean or imply exactly?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Anonymous"I'll be the first to admit" phrase.
What does this mean or imply exactly?

I believe the adjective is "concessive."

During an argument, you concede that your opponent has a good point,
but you maintain that it's not a winning point.

"I'll give you point A, but that doesn't prove point B!"

"Of course you're right about point A!
But that has absolutely nothing to do with what we're talking about, which is point B."

To be the first to admit point A indicates that you will "stipulate" that it's correct, and not offer any objection to it at all. You won't even make him defend it.

It's an exaggeration. If someone asked a room full of people to raise their hands if they agreed with A, you'd be the first to raise his hand.

Danny2312 · Answer

I think it based on the sentence. The definition varies with your sentence.

Philip · Answer

I'll be the first to admit that the proposal isn't perfect, but it's the best we have.

= I don't deny, and I don't think anyone else would either.

Avangi · Answer

AnonymousWhat does this mean or imply exactly?

Hmmm, I guess if you want to know the exact meaning and the exact implication,
a bit more context would be in order.

I'll be the first to admit she deserved it, but you really shouldn't have poured that beer over her head!

- A.

Anonymous · Answer

Where does the "first" part come in? First to admit out of the others who will follow?

Avangi · Answer

Yes. It's probably a sort of implied conditional, or hypothetical.

IF someone asks the question, I'll be the first to answer.
Philip's point about "anyone else" fits in here.

"I'll be the first to admit" phrase

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