set to
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To start doing something with a lot of energy, or to start a fight or argument.
Literal meaning: To direct yourself towards something — pointing your efforts in a particular direction.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To start doing something with energy and determination.
"They set to with enthusiasm and had the entire garden weeded by lunchtime."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To begin fighting or arguing with someone.
"The two brothers set to over who had borrowed the car last."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Somewhat dated or literary in British English. The 'fighting' sense is particularly old-fashioned. More commonly encountered in writing than in everyday speech. The past tense 'set to' and the noun 'a set-to' (meaning a quarrel) are both used.
Commonly used with
work task fight argument cleaning cooking
Forms
Base
set to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets to
he/she/it
Past simple
set to
yesterday
Past participle
set to
have + pp
-ing form
setting to
continuous
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