Women and children first

Definitions

• prioritize the safety of women and children
  Express the idea that in a dangerous or emergency situation, women and children should be given the first opportunity to be rescued or to reach safety

• prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups
  Used figuratively to emphasize the importance of taking care of those who are most vulnerable or in need of assistance

Examples of Women and children first

• In the event of an emergency evacuation, it is customary to prioritize the safety of women and children above all else. This age-old idiom, "Women and children first," is still widely practiced today as a matter of protocol, especially in crowded and high-risk situations such as sinking ships, burning buildings, or crowded airplanes.

  The expression "Women and children first" refers to the age-old principle, particularly in times of crisis, where women and children are given priority over others in terms of safety. This custom is based on the fact that women, especially mothers, are often responsible for the well-being of their offspring. In situations that threaten the safety of the passengers, saving women and children first ensures that, at the very least, the future of the community is secured. The origin of this practice is uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from traditional chivalry, which placed women on a pedestal, and the assumption that their lives were more precious than those of men.

• During the evacuation of the sinking ship, the crew announced that women and children would be evacuated first. Panic ensued among the male passengers who felt that this policy was an unfair disadvantage.

  In this example, the statement "Women and children would be evacuated first" is an instruction to the passengers to follow the age-old protocol of prioritizing the safety of women and children in emergency situations like a sinking ship. The sentence conveys the underlying principle that women and children are accorded priority in such circumstances due to their vulnerabilities, and such policies are necessary to ensure their survival. The example also highlights the resistance sometimes encountered when implementing these policies, and the justification for such policies, which is rooted in the need to safeguard the future of the community.

• During a fire outbreak, it is customary to evacuate women and children first. It is crucial that we ensure their safety, as they are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards of a burning building.

  In this example, the statement "It is customary to evacuate women and children first" is a reiteration of the idiom, emphasizing that this protocol is still widely observed today. The explanation, on the other hand, provides insight into the reason for such policies, which is the inherent vulnerability of women and children in circumstances where fire outbreaks occur. The example shows that this principle is still very much applicable and necessary in contemporary society, particularly in situations where people's safety and wellbeing are at risk.

• When it comes to emergency situations, women and children are always given priority. It is an age-old principle that acknowledges their inherent vulnerability and unique roles in society.

  In this example, the statement "Women and children are always given priority" shows that the principle of safeguarding women and children in emergency situations is an accepted practice that dates back centuries. The explanation elucidates the underlying reasons that necessitate this principle. It highlights that women, particularly mothers, are uniquely vulnerable due to their maternal responsibilities and roles in society. Such policies are necessary to ensure that they and their children are protected during emergency situations.

• In the event of an emergency evacuation, women and children are advised to board the lifeboats first.

  This idiom is commonly used in situations where people need to evacuate quickly, such as during a fire or ship emergency. It implies that women and children are given priority over men because they are considered more vulnerable and in need of protection. The phrase "women and children first" emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable members of society during times of crisis.

Conclusion

The idiom "women and children first" is often used to emphasize the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of women and children in various situations. It can be used literally, to suggest that in dangerous or emergency situations, women and children should be given priority for rescue or safety, or figuratively, to emphasize the importance of taking care of vulnerable groups in any context.

Origin of "Women and children first"

The origin of the phrase "women and children first" can be traced back to the 19th century and is often associated with the maritime tradition of giving priority to women and children in lifeboat evacuation procedures. The phrase gained prominence after the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, where the principle of "women and children first" was adhered to during the evacuation of the ship. This event brought widespread attention to the idea of prioritizing the safety of women and children in emergency situations. Over time, the phrase has become a widely recognized idiom, used to emphasize the importance of protecting and prioritizing the needs of women and children.