set back
See also: setback
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU): (file)
Verb
set back (third-person singular simple present sets back, present participle setting back, simple past and past participle set back)
- (transitive) To delay or obstruct.
- 1898, Winston Churchill, chapter 4, in The Celebrity:
- “Well,” I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.” ¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?” ¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity.
- I expect it will set us back by a day or so, but I think a side trip will be worthwhile.
- (transitive) To remove from or allow distance.
- Set it back from the road by twenty or thirty feet.
- (transitive) To install or position behind a boundary or surface, or in a recess.
- The statue was set back in a niche.
- (transitive, idiomatic) To cost money, as.
- How much do you suppose that fancy dress set her back?
Translations
delay
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remove from
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recess
cost