set about

set someone about something

to make someone begin doing something. I set the boys about raking up the leaves. She set herself about repairing the damaged machine.

See also: set

---

set about something/doing something also set about to do something

to begin to do or deal with something Beall has set about the delicate task of getting the companies to work together. After putting up the tent, she set about making a fire. I bought a computer, got a book of instructions, and set about to learn how to use it.

See also: set