set back (redirected from put back)

set someone back (some amount of money)

to cost someone (an amount of money). This coat set me back about $250. That fancy dinner at the restaurant last night really set us back.

See also: back, set

set something back and put something back

to set something, like a timepiece, to a lower number. (Put is less common.) It's that time of year when you must set your clocks and watches back! Set back your clock tonight. I have to put all the clocks back.

See also: back, set

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set somebody/something back also set back somebody/something

to delay or stop the progress of someone or something Then I needed a second operation, which really set me back. New violence has set back the peace process.

See also: back, set

set you back something

to cost you an amount of money A marriage license will only set you back $30. The gas-powered generator would set him back at least $5 million.

See also: back, set