set something off

set something off: set something off†

1. Lit. to ignite something, such as fireworks. •
The boys were setting firecrackers off all afternoon.
•
They set off rocket after rocket.
2. Fig. to cause something to begin. •
The coach set the race off with a shot from the starting pistol.
•
She set off the race with a whistle.
3. Fig. to make something distinct or outstanding. •
The lovely stonework sets the fireplace off quite nicely.
•
The white hat really sets off Betsy's eyes.

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set something (off) against — offset something against. → set … English new terms dictionary
set something off against — another way of saying set something against above … Useful english dictionary
set something off — 1 the bomb was set off: DETONATE, explode, blow up, touch off, trigger; ignite. 2 it set off a wave of protest: GIVE RISE TO, cause, lead to, set … Useful english dictionary
set something off — 1》 cause a bomb or alarm to go off. 2》 serve as decorative embellishment to. → set … English new terms dictionary
set something (off) against something — … Useful english dictionary
set someone off — cause someone to start doing something, esp. laughing or talking anything will set him off laughing … Useful english dictionary
set somebody off (doing something) — ˌset sb ˈoff (doing sth) derived to make sb start doing sth such as laughing, crying or talking Main entry: ↑setderived … Useful english dictionary
set sth off against sth — Ⅰ. UK US set sth (off) against sth Phrasal Verb with set({{}}/set/ verb (setting, set, set) ► ACCOUNTING to use or record one thing, especially the cost of something, in order to reduce or remove the effect of another: »Costs of new equipment or… … Financial and business terms
ˌset sth ˈoff — phrasal verb 1) to cause something to operate or to explode Jeff pushed open the front door, which set off the alarm.[/ex] 2) to cause a situation or a series of events to happen The price rises could set off mass protests.[/ex] … Dictionary for writing and speaking English
set something aside — 1 set aside some money each month: SAVE, put by, put aside, put away, lay by, keep, reserve; store, stockpile, hoard, stow away … Useful english dictionary
cast off (or cast something off) — 1》 Knitting take the stitches off the needle by looping each over the next to finish the edge. 2》 set a boat or ship free from her moorings. 3》 let loose a hunting hound or hawk. 4》 Printing estimate the space that will be taken in print by… … English new terms dictionary

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set something off

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Dictionary of American idioms

set something off

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