the first order of business

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“The whole world is running a race,” says Intel’s Howard High, “only we don’t know it.” No one knows whether or when the United States will relinquish its lead in that race. Or how far back in the pack we could ultimately fall. But the first order of business is to recognize what’s at stake—and get in the game.

Does it mean "the first important thing for us to do" in this context?

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@fansy,

Yes.

I'm pretty sure "order of business" refers to the rules governing formal meetings, usually Roberts' Rules of Order." In that case, the first order of business would be the reading and approval of the minutes (records) of the previous meeting. We seldom use words and phrases in the original meaning. I bet you've already noticed this.

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@fansy,

fansy wrote:

Does it mean "the first important thing for us to do" in this context?

Yes - the first item on our agenda.

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the first order of business

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