ENGLISH
REFERENCE

set off

idiom
Meaning

To leave; to set out; to begin a journey or trip.


Examples
SIMPLE

We set off for the beach early this morning.

CONTEXTUAL

After packing the car and checking our maps, we finally set off on our long road trip.

COMPLEX

They set off at dawn, hoping to reach the mountain summit before the afternoon storms began to gather.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all set

    Ready, prepared, equipped.

  2. 02

    game, set, match

    An expression indicating finality, announcing that a series of events—usually involving some form of rivalry—has reached a conclusion.

  3. 03

    grow a set

    Synonym of grow a pair.

  4. 04

    jet set

    A social class of wealthy people who travel for pleasure.

  5. 05

    set a spell

    To sit down for a period of time, especially in the company of other people and in order to relax or to engage in casual conversation.

  6. 06

    set back

    To cost money.

  7. 07

    set by the ears

    To make (a person or persons) argue; to set quarrelling.

  8. 08

    set down

    To write.

Last updated April 17, 2026