I had nothing to do with the robbery! I was just standing there. Somebody must have set me up!
•John isn't the one who started the fight. Somebody set up the poor guy.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
set someone up — set (someone) up to trick someone into a situation in which it appears they have done something wrong. She denied using drugs and claimed she had been set up by the police … New idioms dictionary
set someone to work — phrase to make someone do work for you, especially when they do not want to do this Don’t complain that you’re bored, or Dad will set you to work. set someone to work doing something: I’ve set them to work clearing out the garage. Thesaurus: to… … Useful english dictionary
set someone against someone — set (someone/something) against (someone/something) to cause one person or group to oppose another. His health care plan would divide older Americans and set senior against senior. The disagreement has turned into a public feud that has set… … New idioms dictionary
set someone apart from someone — set (someone/something) apart (from (someone/something)) to show someone or something to be different or special. Those selected as leaders of the future have qualities that set them apart. He s the one in the big white hat and bow tie, which… … New idioms dictionary
set someone apart from something — set (someone/something) apart (from (someone/something)) to show someone or something to be different or special. Those selected as leaders of the future have qualities that set them apart. He s the one in the big white hat and bow tie, which… … New idioms dictionary
set someone against something — set (someone/something) against (someone/something) to cause one person or group to oppose another. His health care plan would divide older Americans and set senior against senior. The disagreement has turned into a public feud that has set… … New idioms dictionary
set someone back — set (someone/something) back to delay or stop the progress of someone or something. Then I needed a second operation, which really set me back. New violence has set back the peace process … New idioms dictionary
set someone straight — set (someone/something) straight to tell someone the true facts about a situation that they had not understood correctly. If you think we won t be affected by what s happening in Asia, our chief economist would like to set you straight. Related… … New idioms dictionary
set someone's teeth on edge — 1. To set up a disagreeable sensation in the teeth and mouth, as sour fruit does 2. To cause to wince, irritate acutely 3. Formerly, to make eager or stimulate desire • • • Main Entry: ↑edge * * * I (esp. of an unpleasantly harsh sound) cause… … Useful english dictionary
set someone off — set (someone) off to cause someone to become excited and upset. My sister was an unpredictable young woman, and I never knew what would set her off … New idioms dictionary
set someone up for life — set (someone) up for life informal to provide someone with enough money for the rest of their life. His father died when he was young and the inheritance set him up for life … New idioms dictionary
