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Phrase Meanings » set off
What does "set off" mean?
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Give rise to, cause to occur, as in The acid set off a chemical reaction. [Early 1600s]
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Cause to explode, as in They set off a bomb. [Late 1800s]
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Distinguish, show to be different, contrast with, as in That black coat sets him off from the others in the picture, or Italics set this sentence off from the rest of the text. [Late 1500s]
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Enhance, make more attractive, as in That color sets off her blonde hair. [Early 1600s]
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Begin a journey, leave, as in When do you set off for Europe? [Second half of 1700s]
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