🎯 First Impressions: Why Nailing the First Blow is Half the Battle
“First impressions last.” How many times have you heard that? History, literature, and a sprinkle of humor make up this whimsical expose.
The Genesis of an Idea
This expression is part of an older proverb: “The first blow is half the battle.” It dates back to the eighteenth century and even trots out in Oliver Goldsmith’s 1773 comedy, She Stoops to Conquer. In it, two characters ponder making a grand impression on their host’s daughter. One muses about changing travel attire, and the other affirms, “You’re right: the first blow is half the battle. I intend opening the campaign with the white and gold [waistcoat].”
Related Terms:
- Get off on the right foot
- Making a splash
- Get the ball rolling
- First things first
Synonyms:
- Make a good start
- Hit the ground running
Antonyms:
- Fumble the opening
- Fall flat
In Literature:
- Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer (1773)
- Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813): “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
In Movies:
- Meet the Parents (2000): The ultimate manual on how NOT to make a great first impression
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): A powerful narrative about turning challenging first impressions into lasting success
Inspiring Quote: “A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success. The first blow is indeed half the battle.” – Joyce Brothers
Strip Off the Old Proverb
By the nineteenth century, the first half of the expression was tossed away. With overuse, the term became a cliché. But would it be a cliché if it weren’t foundational wisdom?
Why Humor Can Save the Day
Who doesn’t get butterflies when meeting someone new or starting something novel? Here’s a chucklesome retake: “If first impressions are lasting impressions, why isn’t wallpaper more popular?”
Remember, never underestimate the power of beginning on a high note. After all, “The first blow is half the battle!” So, start strong, stay witty, and keep conquering!
Warm regards,
W. T. Wittywords October 2023
