set about

verb

1. to start or begin
2. to attack physically or verbally

Idioms and Phrases

Begin, start, as in How do we set about solving this puzzle? [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Their task at the start was to “give certain rules to our language, to render it pure and eloquent” – to which end they set about writing their first dictionary.

From BBC

He was on the Red Bull's tail just over 10 laps later and the two set about an engrossing battle over the next 10 laps.

From BBC

She joined a theatre company in Manchester and set about forming her own, before landing the Caroline Aherne bursary in 2017, which develops new comedy talent.

From BBC

In Peachtree Creek some residents took to boats to navigate the flood water while another set about cleaning up.

From BBC

At first, Edwards thought she had misheard but set about taking pictures anyway.

From BBC

Related Words

• commence
• create
• do
• establish
• found
• go ahead
• go into
• inaugurate
• initiate
• introduce
• launch
• lead
• make
• open
• prepare
• produce
• set up
• start
• undertake