1 C1 idiomatic formal
(Archaic) To establish oneself as an independent trader, craftsperson, or professional.
"After years as an apprentice, he finally had enough savings to set up to himself as a blacksmith."
inseparable
set up to oneself
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
An archaic or dialectal expression meaning to establish oneself independently, especially in business or trade.
In plain English
An old-fashioned way of saying 'to start working for yourself' or 'to become your own boss'.
What does "set up to oneself" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To raise or establish oneself in an upright, independent position.
Actually means
An old-fashioned way of saying 'to start working for yourself' or 'to become your own boss'.
Usage tip
This form is largely obsolete in modern English and rarely encountered outside of historical texts or dialectal British English. The modern equivalent would be 'set up on one's own' or 'set up in business for oneself'.
Words that pair with "set up to oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trade business independently shop
How to conjugate "set up to oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set up to oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets up to oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
set up to oneself
yesterday
Past participle
set up to oneself
have + pp
-ing form
setting up to oneself
continuous
Hear "set up to oneself" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set up to oneself" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.