▸ set back
1 PHRASAL VERB If something sets you back or sets back a project or scheme, it causes a delay. □ [V n P ] It has set us back so far that I'm not sure if we can catch up. □ [V P n] There will be a risk of public protest that could set back reforms.
2 PHRASAL VERB If something sets you back a certain amount of money, it costs you that much money. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P amount] In 1981 dinner for two in New York would set you back £5.
3 → see also setback
▸ set down
1 PHRASAL VERB If a committee or organization sets down rules for doing something, it decides what they should be and officially records them. □ [V P n] The Safety at Sea Bill set down regulations to improve safety on fishing vessels. [Also V n P ]
2 PHRASAL VERB If you set down your thoughts or experiences, you write them all down. □ [V P n] Old Walter is setting down his memories of village life. [Also V n P ]
▸ set forth PHRASAL VERB If you set forth a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way. [FORMAL ] □ [V P n] Dr. Mesibov set forth the basis of his approach to teaching students.
▸ set in PHRASAL VERB If something unpleasant sets in , it begins and seems likely to continue or develop. □ [V P ] Then disappointment sets in as they see the magic is no longer there. □ [V P ] Winter is setting in and the population is facing food and fuel shortages.
▸ set off
1 PHRASAL VERB When you set off , you start a journey. □ [V P prep/adv] Nichols set off for his remote farmhouse in Connecticut. □ [V P ] I set off, full of optimism.
2 PHRASAL VERB If something sets off something such as an alarm or a bomb, it makes it start working so that, for example, the alarm rings or the bomb explodes. □ [V P n] Any escape, once it's detected, sets off the alarm. □ [V n P ] It could take months before evidence emerges on how the bomb was made, and who set it off.
3 PHRASAL VERB If something sets off an event or a series of events, it causes it to start happening. □ [V P n] The arrival of the charity van set off a minor riot as villagers scrambled for a share of the aid. [Also V n P ]
▸ set on PHRASAL VERB To set animals on someone means to cause the animals to attack them. □ [V n P n] They brought the young men in and set the dogs on them.
▸ set out
1 PHRASAL VERB When you set out , you start a journey. □ [V P prep/adv] When setting out on a long walk, always wear suitable boots. [Also V P ]
2 PHRASAL VERB If you set out to do something, you start trying to do it. □ [V P to-inf] He has achieved what he set out to do three years ago.
3 PHRASAL VERB If you set things out , you arrange or display them somewhere. □ [V P n] Set out the cakes attractively, using lacy doilies. [Also V n P ]
4 PHRASAL VERB If you set out a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way. □ [V P n] He has written a letter to The Times setting out his views. [Also V n P ]
▸ set up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you set something up , you create or arrange it. □ [V P n] The two sides agreed to set up a commission to investigate claims. □ [V n P ] Tell us when and why you started your business and how you went about setting it up. ● set|ting up N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The British government announced the setting up of a special fund.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you set up a temporary structure, you place it or build it somewhere. □ [V P n] They took to the streets, setting up roadblocks of burning tyres. [Also V n P ]
3 PHRASAL VERB If you set up a device or piece of machinery, you do the things that are necessary for it to be able to start working. □ [V P n] I set up the computer so that they could work from home. [Also V n P ]
4 PHRASAL VERB If you set up somewhere or set yourself up somewhere, you establish yourself in a new business or new area. □ [V P prep/adv] The mayor's scheme offers incentives to firms setting up in lower Manhattan. □ [V pron-refl P ] He set himself up in business and became a successful agent. □ [V n P prep/adv] Grandfather set them up in a liquor business.
5 PHRASAL VERB If you set up home or set up shop, you buy a house or business of your own and start living or working there. □ [V P n] They married, and set up home in Ramsgate.
6 PHRASAL VERB If something sets up something such as a process, it creates it or causes it to begin. □ [V P n] The secondary current sets up a magnetic field inside the tube. [Also V n P ]
7 PHRASAL VERB If you are set up by someone, they make it seem that you have done something wrong when you have not. [INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed P ] Both men deny any involvement and claim they were set up by the British secret service. □ [V n P ] Maybe Angelo tried to set us up. [Also V P n (not pron)]
8 → see also set-up
▸ set upon PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you are set upon by people, they make a sudden and unexpected physical attack on you. □ [be V -ed P ] We were set upon by about twelve youths and I was kicked unconscious.
se t-aside N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In the European Union, set-aside is a scheme in which some areas of farmland are not used for a period of time, either because too much is being produced already, or so that a crop does not become too cheap. □ The farm is paid £87 per acre for the 1,700 acres it has in set-aside.