# set back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/set-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cost money.

## Examples

- That new laptop set me back a lot of money.
- Buying a new engine for my old car will set me back at least two thousand dollars.
- Repairing the historic roof after the storm will surely set back the organization more than they originally anticipated.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.