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What does "set" mean?

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In addition to the idioms beginning with set, also see all set; dead set against; get set; get (set) someone's back up; get (set) the ball rolling; lay (set) eyes on; on a pedestal, set; smart set; tongues wagging, set. Also see under put.

See set in WNW Idioms

all set

â

Informal prepared; ready

set about

to begin; start doing

set against

to balance
to compare
to make hostile toward; make an enemy of

set apart

to separate and keep for a purpose; reserve

set aside

to set apart
to discard; dismiss; reject
to annul; declare void

set back

to put (a clock or its hands) to an earlier time, esp. to standard time
to reverse or hinder the progress of
â Slang to cost (a person) a specified sum of money

set down

to place so as to rest upon a surface; put down; let alight
to land (an airplane)
to put in writing or print; record
to establish (rules, principles, etc.)
to consider, ascribe, attribute, etc.

set forth

to publish
to express in words; state

set in

to begin
1. to blow or flow toward the shore: said of wind, current, etc.
2. to direct (a ship) toward shore
to insert

set off

1. to start (a person) doing something
2. to make begin; start going
to set in relief; make prominent by contrast
to show to advantage; enhance
to cause to explode

set on

to incite or urge on, as to attack to set dogs on intruders
to attack

set out

to limit; define; mark out
to plan; lay out (a town, garden, etc.)
to display, as for sale; exhibit
to plant
to take upon oneself; undertake to set out to prove a theory

set straight

to give the correct facts to; inform properly

set to

to make a beginning; get to work; begin
to begin fighting

set up

1. to place in an upright position
2. to place in a high position
3. to raise to power
4. to raise
5. to present (oneself) as being something specified
6. to present (something) as exemplary
to put together or erect (a tent, machine, etc.)
to establish; found
to make detailed plans for
to begin
to provide with money, etc., as for a business; fit out
to cause to feel stimulated, exhilarated, etc.
to make successful, well-to-do, etc.
to advance or propose (a theory, etc.)
to cause
1. to put (drinks, etc.) before customers
2. â to pay for (food, drinks, etc.) for (another or others)
â to put (someone) in a vulnerable situation or position

set upon

to attack, esp. with violence

See set in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

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