you first
Yielding the lead
A polite or ironic phrase used when yielding precedence to someone else.
Genuinely, it offers another person the chance to go ahead: You first—I insist.
But it often carries reluctance or challenge, implying the speaker wants someone else to take the risk or make the uncomfortable move: Jump in the freezing water? You first.
- go aheadPermission to begin
- be my guestInvitation to proceed freely
- politeShowing good manners
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- common courtesyExpected polite behavior
good manners · gesture · doorway · open door · defer · manners · hesitation · insist · kindness · etiquette · social grace · gracious · wave · stand back · gentleman · threshold · waiting · offer
social disposition
you firstevery man for himself
Chaotic self-interest declaration
look out for number one · self-serving · pushy · self-centered · grabby
you, first, your, yours, yourself, yourselves, firstly, foremost