set up to oneself
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
An old-fashioned way of saying 'to start working for yourself' or 'to become your own boss'.
Literal meaning: To raise or establish oneself in an upright, independent position.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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'.
Commonly used with
trade business independently shop
Forms
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
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