Object, rifts developing before - before anything else (5,5)

'object rifts developing before before anything else' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'object rifts developing before' is the wordplay.
'object' becomes 'thing' (an object is a thing or item).
'developing' is an anagram indicator (letters developed into a new form).
'before' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'rifts' anagrammed gives 'first'.
'thing' after 'first' is 'FIRST THING'.

Can you help me to learn more?