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set in motion

Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson

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set something in motion

to start a process. The recommendation could set in motion the largest cleanup in US history.

Usage notes: also used in the form put something in motion: Louisiana already has an emergency response plan, which Foster put in motion shortly after the attacks.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of set something in motion (= to make something move)

See also: motion, set

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? References in classic literature
The world may indeed be considered as a vast machine, in which the great wheels are originally set in motion by those which are very minute, and almost imperceptible to any but the strongest eyes. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Fielding, Henry View in context Instead of it even-- as a woman reads another--she could see what I myself saw: his derision, his amusement, his contempt for the breakdown of my resignation at being left alone and for the fine machinery I had set in motion to attract his attention to my slighted charms. Turn Of The Screw by James, Henry View in context Her forces of one sort and another had seemingly been set in motion when she was born; they needed no daily spur, but moved of their own accord--towards what no one knew, least of all Rebecca herself. Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm by Wiggin, Kate Douglas View in context More results

References in classic literature

The world may indeed be considered as a vast machine, in which the great wheels are originally set in motion by those which are very minute, and almost imperceptible to any but the strongest eyes.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Fielding, Henry View in context

Instead of it even-- as a woman reads another--she could see what I myself saw: his derision, his amusement, his contempt for the breakdown of my resignation at being left alone and for the fine machinery I had set in motion to attract his attention to my slighted charms.

Turn Of The Screw by James, Henry View in context

Her forces of one sort and another had seemingly been set in motion when she was born; they needed no daily spur, but moved of their own accord--towards what no one knew, least of all Rebecca herself.

Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm by Wiggin, Kate Douglas View in context

More results

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set face against
set foot in
set forth
set great/much store by
set heart on
set in
set in concrete

set in motion
set in stone
set in train
set off
set off alarm bells
set out
set out stall
set out to

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