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set up

A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To get everything ready so something can work, or to start a new business or organisation.

Literal meaning: To place something in an upright or functional position — like setting up a tent or table.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To prepare or arrange equipment, furniture, or a system so it is ready to use.

"Can you set up the projector before the presentation starts?"

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To start or establish a business, organisation, or system.

"She used her savings to set up a small café in the village."

"I set up a company in my early 20s."

— Richard Branson, in various interviews about founding Virgin Records.
Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To arrange a meeting, appointment, or social situation for someone else.

"My colleague set up a meeting with the clients for Thursday afternoon."

Grammar: separable
4 B2 idiomatic informal

To trick or frame someone, making them appear guilty of something they did not do.

"He claimed he hadn't stolen the money and that someone had set him up."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Extremely versatile and one of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Can refer to technology (set up a computer), business (set up a company), appointments (set up a meeting), traps (set someone up), and more. The noun 'setup' (or 'set-up') is widely used.

Commonly used with

business meeting account system equipment camp

Forms

Base
set up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets up
he/she/it
Past simple
set up
yesterday
Past participle
set up
have + pp
-ing form
setting up
continuous

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Synonyms

arrange configure establish found launch organize

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