be dead set on something

be (dead) set on (something)

To have a strong (and sometimes inflexible) desire for something. We were all dead set on traveling to Spain for the summer, until Lizzy broke her leg and we had to cancel it. I wanted to spend the money on a new car, but my husband was set on getting new furniture for the living room. If she's dead set on green paint for the living room, good luck changing her mind.

See also: on, set

be dead set on (something)

To be intent on doing or obtaining something. I am dead set on going out today, so a little rain isn't going to stop me. She's dead set on this house, so she'll be heartbroken to hear that her offer's been rejected. I've been trying to talk him out of moving to France, but he's dead set on going.

See also: dead, on, set

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be dead set on something

If you are dead set on doing something or having something, you are determined to do it or get it. I'm dead set on getting dancing lessons now. To my surprise, he was dead set on a new career as a solicitor.

See also: dead, on, set, something

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012