set off
The phrase "set off" is versatile, used in various contexts such as travel, initiation of events, and highlighting contrasts.
Definition
B1Travel
(idiomatic)To begin a journey.
Example
- We set off early to avoid the traffic.
- They set off on their trip to the mountains.
B2General
(idiomatic)To initiate or cause something to start.
Example
- The fireworks were set off at midnight.
- His comments set off a heated debate.
B2Contrast
(idiomatic)To highlight or emphasize by providing a contrast.
Example
- The white curtains set off the dark furniture beautifully.
- Her red scarf really sets off her outfit.
C1Finance
(technical)To counterbalance or reduce an amount by having an opposing effect.
Example
- The company set off its losses against its profits.
- Tax credits can be set off against tax liabilities.
C1Explosives
(technical)To cause something to explode.
Example
- The bomb was set off remotely.
- They set off fireworks to celebrate the event.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "set off":
set outstart offset abouthead offset ongo offset forwardsee offjet offsend offtake offtouch offset forthset againstset footshoot offset tostep offset backlet offgo setkick offset alightset downstart outset to worklead offclear offfire offmake offset uponsending offset byfly offset asidestrike offstep outset upchocks awaythrow offget goingpush offstart ongo forthsend outmark offblast offbear offsound offdrive offwalk off