1 set
Pronounced:
/ˈsɛt/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
sets; set; set·tingMeaning:
1 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] a : to put (something) in a place or position ▪ Set your books (down) on the table. ▪ We need to set some extra chairs around the table. ▪ He set the ladder against the wall and walked away. ▪ I remember setting my bag right here. b : to put (something) into the surface of something ▪ They set the bricks along the walkway. —often used as (be) set ▪ The posts are set firmly in the ground. ▪ The tiles are set into the wall. c : to attach (something, such as a jewel) to a piece of jewelry or other decoration ▪ The jeweler can set the stone several different ways. —often used as (be) set ▪ Her wedding ring is set [=inlaid] with seven diamonds. ▪ a diamond set in a simple gold band
2 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to cause the action of (a film, story, etc.) to happen in a certain place or during a certain time —often used as (be) set ▪ The play is set in Verona, Italy. [=the action of the play takes place in Verona] ▪ The novel is set in 1943. ▪ a novel set during World War II ▪ The story is set against (the backdrop of) the Second World War. [=the story takes place during the Second World War]
3 [+ obj] a : to make (something) ready to be used : to put (something) in a position to be used ▪ He turned off the car and set the parking brake. ▪ Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear. b : to put plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc., on a table before serving a meal ▪ Would you please set [=(Brit) lay] the table? ▪ We set an extra place at the table for our guest. ▪ The table was set for two. [=it had two place settings]
4 [+ obj] : to cause (a clock) to show a particular time ▪ We set the clocks ahead one hour for daylight saving time. : to cause the controls of (a clock or other device) to be in a particular position ▪ The alarm was set for 7:00 a.m. = The alarm was set to go off at 7:00 a.m. ▪ I set the timer for/to twenty minutes. ▪ Set the oven to 350 degrees. ▪ In the winter, she sets the thermostat at/to 68 degrees.
5 [+ obj] : to decide on or choose (something) ▪ I set a goal (for myself) to lose 15 pounds by the end of the year. ▪ The company must meet certain conditions set by the government in order to stay in business. ▪ She will be setting the agenda for this afternoon's meeting. ▪ setting boundaries/limits/rules ▪ NASA has not yet set [=named] the date for the shuttle launch. ▪ He has set his sights on becoming [=he has decided to try to become] the next president. ▪ We don't have enough time to do everything. We have to set priorities. [=to decide which things are most important to do]
6 [+ obj] a : to give (a particular price or value) to something ▪ An antiques appraiser set the value of the chair at $500. ▪ If you set your prices too high, no one will buy your products. ▪ Her bail was set at $10,000. = The judge set (her) bail at $10,000. [=the judge decided that she will have to pay $10,000 or stay in jail until her trial] b : to give (a high value or importance) to something ▪ They set a high value on their privacy. [=they value their privacy very highly] ▪ Our family sets great store by/on tradition. [=our family believes that tradition is very important]
7 [+ obj] a : to cause (something) to be accepted as an example, rule, etc. : to establish (a standard, trend, etc.) for others to follow or try to copy ▪ They are improving the safety of their vehicles and setting a higher standard for other companies (to follow). ▪ His style of directing has set a new trend in moviemaking. [=other directors are copying his way of making movies] ▪ His behavior sets a good/bad example for the rest of the children. ▪ The ruling is likely to set a precedent for how future cases are decided. [=future cases will be decided based on this case] ▪ Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview. [=it gave the rest of the interview a light and easy feeling] b : to establish (a record) as the performance or achievement that is the best of its kind ▪ She set a record for the most sales in the company's history. [=she made more sales for the company than anyone else ever had] ▪ He set the world record for/in the 100-meter dash.
8 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to be in a specified condition ▪ The slaves were set free. ▪ He made a raft and set it afloat in the river. ▪ They set the house on fire. = They set fire to the house. = (more formally) They set the house afire/aflame/ablaze. [=they caused the house to begin burning] ▪ I wish I knew how to set your mind at ease. [=to help you stop worrying] ▪ She set him right/straight about what happened. [=she told him that he was wrong and explained what really happened] ▪ We should set our own house in order [=correct the way we do things] before we criticize them.
9 : to cause (someone or something) to start doing something [+ obj] ▪ We have no idea what set [=got] her crying. —often + to ▪ Her question set me to wondering if I had made the right decision. ▪ They are ready to set the plan in motion. [=they are ready to cause the plan to start happening] ▪ The plan has been set in motion. ▪ Sources say that the governor has set the wheels in motion for a run for the presidency. [=the governor has started to run for president] [no obj] ▪ He immediately set to work [=started working] on the project.
10 [+ obj] Brit : to give (someone) a particular job : to require someone to do (a task) ▪ My boss set me to organizing the files. ▪ She set [=assigned] her students the task of writing a three-page report. ▪ setting homework for the children
11 [no obj] of the sun or moon : to move down in the sky and go below the horizon ▪ We sat on the beach and watched the sun set. —opposite 1rise 5
12 [+ obj] : to put and hold (your jaw, mouth, etc.) firmly into a certain position ▪ She crossed her arms, set her jaw, and refused to answer any questions. ▪ He set his lips firmly.
13 a [no obj] of a liquid : to become thick or hard ▪ The gelatin needs a few hours to set. ▪ My nail polish is still setting. ▪ a quick-setting cement b : to become permanent [no obj] ▪ If you don't wash your shirt right away, the stain will set. [=you will not be able to remove the stain] [+ obj] ▪ Hot water will set the stain.
14 : to put (a broken bone) into its normal position so it can heal [+ obj] ▪ Doctors set her broken leg last week. [no obj] ▪ The bones will take several weeks to set. [=grow together]
15 [+ obj] : to give a particular style to (someone's hair) by wetting it, putting it in curlers or clips, and drying it ▪ She gets her hair set and styled twice a week.
16 [+ obj] : to type or print (a word, sentence, etc.) in a particular form or style ▪ a word set in italics
17 [+ obj] : to add music to (words) : to create (music) to accompany words —usually + to ▪ She wrote the lyrics, and he set them to music.
2 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to cause the action of (a film, story, etc.) to happen in a certain place or during a certain time —often used as (be) set ▪ The play is set in Verona, Italy. [=the action of the play takes place in Verona] ▪ The novel is set in 1943. ▪ a novel set during World War II ▪ The story is set against (the backdrop of) the Second World War. [=the story takes place during the Second World War]
3 [+ obj] a : to make (something) ready to be used : to put (something) in a position to be used ▪ He turned off the car and set the parking brake. ▪ Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear. b : to put plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc., on a table before serving a meal ▪ Would you please set [=(Brit) lay] the table? ▪ We set an extra place at the table for our guest. ▪ The table was set for two. [=it had two place settings]
4 [+ obj] : to cause (a clock) to show a particular time ▪ We set the clocks ahead one hour for daylight saving time. : to cause the controls of (a clock or other device) to be in a particular position ▪ The alarm was set for 7:00 a.m. = The alarm was set to go off at 7:00 a.m. ▪ I set the timer for/to twenty minutes. ▪ Set the oven to 350 degrees. ▪ In the winter, she sets the thermostat at/to 68 degrees.
5 [+ obj] : to decide on or choose (something) ▪ I set a goal (for myself) to lose 15 pounds by the end of the year. ▪ The company must meet certain conditions set by the government in order to stay in business. ▪ She will be setting the agenda for this afternoon's meeting. ▪ setting boundaries/limits/rules ▪ NASA has not yet set [=named] the date for the shuttle launch. ▪ He has set his sights on becoming [=he has decided to try to become] the next president. ▪ We don't have enough time to do everything. We have to set priorities. [=to decide which things are most important to do]
6 [+ obj] a : to give (a particular price or value) to something ▪ An antiques appraiser set the value of the chair at $500. ▪ If you set your prices too high, no one will buy your products. ▪ Her bail was set at $10,000. = The judge set (her) bail at $10,000. [=the judge decided that she will have to pay $10,000 or stay in jail until her trial] b : to give (a high value or importance) to something ▪ They set a high value on their privacy. [=they value their privacy very highly] ▪ Our family sets great store by/on tradition. [=our family believes that tradition is very important]
7 [+ obj] a : to cause (something) to be accepted as an example, rule, etc. : to establish (a standard, trend, etc.) for others to follow or try to copy ▪ They are improving the safety of their vehicles and setting a higher standard for other companies (to follow). ▪ His style of directing has set a new trend in moviemaking. [=other directors are copying his way of making movies] ▪ His behavior sets a good/bad example for the rest of the children. ▪ The ruling is likely to set a precedent for how future cases are decided. [=future cases will be decided based on this case] ▪ Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview. [=it gave the rest of the interview a light and easy feeling] b : to establish (a record) as the performance or achievement that is the best of its kind ▪ She set a record for the most sales in the company's history. [=she made more sales for the company than anyone else ever had] ▪ He set the world record for/in the 100-meter dash.
8 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to be in a specified condition ▪ The slaves were set free. ▪ He made a raft and set it afloat in the river. ▪ They set the house on fire. = They set fire to the house. = (more formally) They set the house afire/aflame/ablaze. [=they caused the house to begin burning] ▪ I wish I knew how to set your mind at ease. [=to help you stop worrying] ▪ She set him right/straight about what happened. [=she told him that he was wrong and explained what really happened] ▪ We should set our own house in order [=correct the way we do things] before we criticize them.
9 : to cause (someone or something) to start doing something [+ obj] ▪ We have no idea what set [=got] her crying. —often + to ▪ Her question set me to wondering if I had made the right decision. ▪ They are ready to set the plan in motion. [=they are ready to cause the plan to start happening] ▪ The plan has been set in motion. ▪ Sources say that the governor has set the wheels in motion for a run for the presidency. [=the governor has started to run for president] [no obj] ▪ He immediately set to work [=started working] on the project.
10 [+ obj] Brit : to give (someone) a particular job : to require someone to do (a task) ▪ My boss set me to organizing the files. ▪ She set [=assigned] her students the task of writing a three-page report. ▪ setting homework for the children
11 [no obj] of the sun or moon : to move down in the sky and go below the horizon ▪ We sat on the beach and watched the sun set. —opposite 1rise 5
12 [+ obj] : to put and hold (your jaw, mouth, etc.) firmly into a certain position ▪ She crossed her arms, set her jaw, and refused to answer any questions. ▪ He set his lips firmly.
13 a [no obj] of a liquid : to become thick or hard ▪ The gelatin needs a few hours to set. ▪ My nail polish is still setting. ▪ a quick-setting cement b : to become permanent [no obj] ▪ If you don't wash your shirt right away, the stain will set. [=you will not be able to remove the stain] [+ obj] ▪ Hot water will set the stain.
14 : to put (a broken bone) into its normal position so it can heal [+ obj] ▪ Doctors set her broken leg last week. [no obj] ▪ The bones will take several weeks to set. [=grow together]
15 [+ obj] : to give a particular style to (someone's hair) by wetting it, putting it in curlers or clips, and drying it ▪ She gets her hair set and styled twice a week.
16 [+ obj] : to type or print (a word, sentence, etc.) in a particular form or style ▪ a word set in italics
17 [+ obj] : to add music to (words) : to create (music) to accompany words —usually + to ▪ She wrote the lyrics, and he set them to music.
set about [phrasal verb]
set about (something) : to begin to do (something) ▪ They set about (the task of) creating a new Web site. —sometimes followed by to + verb ▪ They set about to create a new Web site.
set against [phrasal verb]
1 set (something) against (something) a : to compare (something) to (something else) ▪ Let's set the advantages against the disadvantages. —often used as (be) set against ▪ The challenges of fixing the problem now must be set against the dangers of waiting until later to act. ▪ The fines were small when set against the company's huge annual profits. —see also 1set 2 (above) b Brit : to list (something) as an expense in order to reduce (income for which you must pay tax) ▪ You can set your mortgage payments against your rental income.
2 set (yourself) against (someone or something) : to decide that you do not support (something or someone) : to be or become opposed to (something or someone) ▪ She set herself against the prevailing beliefs of the time. ▪ He has set himself against (joining) them.
3 set (someone) against (someone) : to cause (someone) to disagree with or oppose (someone) ▪ The incident set brother against sister.
2 set (yourself) against (someone or something) : to decide that you do not support (something or someone) : to be or become opposed to (something or someone) ▪ She set herself against the prevailing beliefs of the time. ▪ He has set himself against (joining) them.
3 set (someone) against (someone) : to cause (someone) to disagree with or oppose (someone) ▪ The incident set brother against sister.
set apart [phrasal verb]
1 set (someone or something) apart : to be a quality that makes (someone or something) better than or different from other people or things —usually + from ▪ What sets her apart (from the other teachers) is her great passion for her work. ▪ His great height set him apart from the other men in his family.
2 set (something) apart : to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose —often used as (be) set apart —usually + for ▪ A few acres of the city were set apart for a park.
2 set (something) apart : to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose —often used as (be) set apart —usually + for ▪ A few acres of the city were set apart for a park.
set aside [phrasal verb]
set (something) aside or set aside (something) 1 : to move (something) to the side because you are not working on it, dealing with it, etc. ▪ Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set the mixture aside. : to wait until later to use or deal with (something) ▪ I've set your memo aside for now but I'll read it this afternoon. ▪ The committee set aside discussion of the proposal until their next meeting.
2 : to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose ▪ The hotel set aside [=set apart] 20 rooms for the guests of the bride and groom. ▪ We need to set some money aside for our vacation.
3 : to stop thinking about, talking about, or being affected by (something) ▪ They decided to set aside their differences and work together. ▪ Setting aside the fact that the meal was extremely expensive, dinner was very enjoyable.
4 law : to change or reverse (a legal decision, conviction, etc.) ▪ The verdict was set aside [=overturned] by the court.
2 : to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose ▪ The hotel set aside [=set apart] 20 rooms for the guests of the bride and groom. ▪ We need to set some money aside for our vacation.
3 : to stop thinking about, talking about, or being affected by (something) ▪ They decided to set aside their differences and work together. ▪ Setting aside the fact that the meal was extremely expensive, dinner was very enjoyable.
4 law : to change or reverse (a legal decision, conviction, etc.) ▪ The verdict was set aside [=overturned] by the court.
set back [phrasal verb]
1 set (something or someone) back or set back (something or someone) : to make the progress of (something or someone) slower or more difficult : to cause (something or someone) to go back to an earlier or worse condition ▪ A recent lack of funding has set back research on the disease. ▪ If the law is reversed, it will set us back 20 years. [=it will undo 20 years of progress] ▪ setting back progress
2 set (someone) back informal : 2cost ▪ A new suit will set you back at least $200.
2 set (someone) back informal : 2cost ▪ A new suit will set you back at least $200.
set down [phrasal verb]
1 set down (something) : to create or establish (a rule, requirement, etc.) ▪ All participants must follow the guidelines set down [=established] by the organization. ▪ Once she sets down the rules, there's no changing her mind.
2 set (something) down or set down (something) a : to record (something) by writing it down ▪ She took out her notebook and started setting down her thoughts. ▪ When an idea for a song comes to me, I set it down on paper. ▪ setting an agreement down in writing b : to land (an airplane) on the ground or water ▪ We had to set the plane down in a field.
3 set (someone) down : to allow (someone) to get off a bus, airplane, etc. ▪ I asked the taxi driver to set me down [=drop me off, (US) let me off] in front of the library.
2 set (something) down or set down (something) a : to record (something) by writing it down ▪ She took out her notebook and started setting down her thoughts. ▪ When an idea for a song comes to me, I set it down on paper. ▪ setting an agreement down in writing b : to land (an airplane) on the ground or water ▪ We had to set the plane down in a field.
3 set (someone) down : to allow (someone) to get off a bus, airplane, etc. ▪ I asked the taxi driver to set me down [=drop me off, (US) let me off] in front of the library.
set eyes on —see 1eye
set foot in/on —see 1foot
set forth [phrasal verb]
1 literary : to begin a journey ▪ We will set forth [=set out] at dawn.
2 set forth (something) or set (something) forth formal : to explain or describe (something) in an organized way ▪ The author sets forth [=states] the book's premise in its first two pages.
2 set forth (something) or set (something) forth formal : to explain or describe (something) in an organized way ▪ The author sets forth [=states] the book's premise in its first two pages.
set forward [phrasal verb]
set (something) forward or set forward (something) : to explain or describe (something) so that it can be considered ▪ She has set forward [=presented] an ambitious plan to fix the nation's health-care system.
set in [phrasal verb]
: to begin to be present, seen, etc. —used of something unpleasant or unwanted that often lasts for a long time ▪ The kids should go outside and play before the rain sets in again. ▪ An infection set in after the surgery. ▪ Reality was starting to set in. [=become obvious] We were not going to win.
set in stone —see 1stone
set loose —see let loose at 2loose
set off [phrasal verb]
1 : to begin traveling in a particular direction ▪ We set off for home. ▪ They set off in a different direction. ▪ In the first chapter, the hero sets off on a long voyage across the ocean.
2 set off (something) also set (something) off : to cause (something) to start or happen ▪ set off an explosion ▪ Her comments set off [=touched off] a chain of events that led to two people losing their jobs. ▪ The incident set off a debate about how public land should be used.
3 set off (something) or set (something) off a : to cause (something) to begin making noise ▪ The thick smoke set off the school's fire alarms. ▪ Your watch will probably set the metal detectors off. b : to cause (fireworks, a bomb, etc.) to explode ▪ They were accused of setting off the bomb that destroyed the building. ▪ It was set off by remote control. c : to make (something) easy to see or notice ▪ The blue in your sweater sets off [=accents] your eyes. ▪ Bright yellow police tape set off the area where the crime occurred. ▪ a quote set off by quotation marks
4 set (someone) off : to cause (someone) to suddenly start yelling, crying, laughing, etc. ▪ I wonder what set her off.
2 set off (something) also set (something) off : to cause (something) to start or happen ▪ set off an explosion ▪ Her comments set off [=touched off] a chain of events that led to two people losing their jobs. ▪ The incident set off a debate about how public land should be used.
3 set off (something) or set (something) off a : to cause (something) to begin making noise ▪ The thick smoke set off the school's fire alarms. ▪ Your watch will probably set the metal detectors off. b : to cause (fireworks, a bomb, etc.) to explode ▪ They were accused of setting off the bomb that destroyed the building. ▪ It was set off by remote control. c : to make (something) easy to see or notice ▪ The blue in your sweater sets off [=accents] your eyes. ▪ Bright yellow police tape set off the area where the crime occurred. ▪ a quote set off by quotation marks
4 set (someone) off : to cause (someone) to suddenly start yelling, crying, laughing, etc. ▪ I wonder what set her off.
set on [phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) on (someone) : to make (a person or animal) suddenly attack (someone) ▪ Police dogs were set on the protesters. ▪ She set her friends on him.
set out [phrasal verb]
1 a : to begin traveling in a particular direction ▪ We got out of the car and set out for the nearest gas station. ▪ They set out toward the east. b : to start doing something : to begin an activity or effort with a particular plan or purpose ▪ She set out with the goal of going to the Olympics. —often followed by to + verb ▪ She accomplishes whatever she sets out [=intends] to do. ▪ I never set out to hurt you. [=I was not trying to hurt you] ▪ He set out to become a lawyer but ended up teaching history instead.
2 set (something) out or set out (something) a : to explain or describe (something) ▪ In the article, the group sets out the role of parents in a child's education. ▪ He set out the basic argument between the two groups. b : to move and organize (a group of things) so that they can be seen or used ▪ We'll need to set a few extra chairs out for our guests. ▪ They set out maps and travel brochures for the tourists to take.
2 set (something) out or set out (something) a : to explain or describe (something) ▪ In the article, the group sets out the role of parents in a child's education. ▪ He set out the basic argument between the two groups. b : to move and organize (a group of things) so that they can be seen or used ▪ We'll need to set a few extra chairs out for our guests. ▪ They set out maps and travel brochures for the tourists to take.
set pen to paper —see 1pen
set sail —see 2sail
set the pace —see 1pace
set the record straight —see 1record
set the scene —see scene
set the stage —see 1stage
set to
[phrasal verb] Brit literary : to begin doing something in an active and serious way ▪ We set to and soon finished the work.
set up [phrasal verb]
1 : to prepare for something by putting things where they need to be ▪ We have one hour left to set up for the party. ▪ We had better start setting up.
2 set up (something) or set (something) up a : to create or establish (something) for a particular purpose ▪ A panel needs to be set up to investigate the issue. ▪ She hopes that in a few years she can set up a private practice of her own. ▪ A foundation was set up for people with the disease. ▪ The church set up a school for the city's homeless children. ▪ The hikers set up camp [=they prepared an area where they could sleep outside] just before sunset. b : to arrange and plan (an event or activity) ▪ I'll ask my secretary to set up a meeting with our clients. ▪ Let's set up a time to get together. ▪ He was the one who set up the bank robbery. c : to put (something) in an upright position ▪ They set up flags along the street for the parade. ▪ Help me set the tent up. d : to make (a machine, system, etc.) ready to be used ▪ They set up the movie camera next to the door. ▪ This computer wasn't set up to run so many programs at one time.
3 set (someone) up or set up (someone) a : to cause (someone) to be in a bad situation or to appear guilty ▪ Those aren't his drugs. Someone must have set him up! [=framed him; made it look like the drugs were his] ▪ He claimed he was set up by the police. b Brit : to help (someone) feel healthy and full of energy ▪ She says that daily exercise has set her up to face the challenges of getting old. c : to give (someone) a job, a place to live, etc. ▪ She set me up in a great apartment in the city. ▪ He set his son up with a job at his company. d : to do something that makes it likely or possible for (someone) to do, get, or experience something ▪ The team's excellent defense set them up to score the winning touchdown. —usually + for ▪ I think you're just setting yourself up for a big disappointment. [=you're expecting something that won't happen and you will be disappointed when it doesn't] e : to cause (someone) to meet someone in order to start a romantic relationship ▪ “How did you first meet your husband?” “My best friend set us up.” —often + with ▪ She wants to set him up with her sister.
4 set (yourself) up as (something) a : to try to make people believe that you are (something) ▪ She has set herself up as the best alternative to the current administration. ▪ He sets himself up as a defender of the people, but he's really only interested in getting more power. b also set up as (something) or set up in (something) : to start your own business ▪ She set (herself) up as a wedding planner. [=she began working as a wedding planner] ▪ He set up in business after finishing college. —see also setup
2 set up (something) or set (something) up a : to create or establish (something) for a particular purpose ▪ A panel needs to be set up to investigate the issue. ▪ She hopes that in a few years she can set up a private practice of her own. ▪ A foundation was set up for people with the disease. ▪ The church set up a school for the city's homeless children. ▪ The hikers set up camp [=they prepared an area where they could sleep outside] just before sunset. b : to arrange and plan (an event or activity) ▪ I'll ask my secretary to set up a meeting with our clients. ▪ Let's set up a time to get together. ▪ He was the one who set up the bank robbery. c : to put (something) in an upright position ▪ They set up flags along the street for the parade. ▪ Help me set the tent up. d : to make (a machine, system, etc.) ready to be used ▪ They set up the movie camera next to the door. ▪ This computer wasn't set up to run so many programs at one time.
3 set (someone) up or set up (someone) a : to cause (someone) to be in a bad situation or to appear guilty ▪ Those aren't his drugs. Someone must have set him up! [=framed him; made it look like the drugs were his] ▪ He claimed he was set up by the police. b Brit : to help (someone) feel healthy and full of energy ▪ She says that daily exercise has set her up to face the challenges of getting old. c : to give (someone) a job, a place to live, etc. ▪ She set me up in a great apartment in the city. ▪ He set his son up with a job at his company. d : to do something that makes it likely or possible for (someone) to do, get, or experience something ▪ The team's excellent defense set them up to score the winning touchdown. —usually + for ▪ I think you're just setting yourself up for a big disappointment. [=you're expecting something that won't happen and you will be disappointed when it doesn't] e : to cause (someone) to meet someone in order to start a romantic relationship ▪ “How did you first meet your husband?” “My best friend set us up.” —often + with ▪ She wants to set him up with her sister.
4 set (yourself) up as (something) a : to try to make people believe that you are (something) ▪ She has set herself up as the best alternative to the current administration. ▪ He sets himself up as a defender of the people, but he's really only interested in getting more power. b also set up as (something) or set up in (something) : to start your own business ▪ She set (herself) up as a wedding planner. [=she began working as a wedding planner] ▪ He set up in business after finishing college. —see also setup
set up house —see 1house
set upon [phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) upon (someone) : to attack (someone or something) —often used as (be) set upon ▪ The protesters were set upon by police dogs.
set up shop —see 1shop
set your heart on —see heart
set your mind to —see 1mind
set your teeth on edge —see tooth