set off

set someone off 

1. Fig. to cause someone to become very angry; to ignite someone's anger. (Based on set something off {2}.) That kind of thing really sets me off ! Your rude behavior set off Mrs. Franklin.

2. Fig. to cause someone to start talking or lecturing about a particular subject. (Based on set something off .) When I mentioned high taxes it really set Walter off. He talked and talked. The subject set off my uncle, and he talked on endlessly.

See also: set

set something off 

1. Lit. to ignite something, such as fireworks. The boys were setting firecrackers off all afternoon. They set off rocket after rocket.

2. Fig. to cause something to begin. The coach set the race off with a shot from the starting pistol. She set off the race with a whistle.

3. Fig. to make something distinct or outstanding. The lovely stonework sets the fireplace off quite nicely. The white hat really sets off Betsy's eyes.

See also: set

set off (for something)

to leave for something or some place. We set off for Springfield three hours late. It was afternoon before we could set off.

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set somebody off

to cause someone to become excited and upset My sister was an unpredictable young woman, and I never knew what would set her off.

See also: set

set off also set out

to start going somewhere He got a Guggenheim fellowship and set off for Mexico to write a novel. You need to be fit and well rested before you set off on a hiking trip. When the car broke down, he set out on foot for help.

See also: set

set off something also set something off

1. to cause an explosion The investigation determined that he probably did not set off the blast deliberately. Apparently the bomb was placed in a locker and someone set it off with a cell phone.

2. to cause sudden activity Rumors set off a wave of selling on the stock exchange. If you keep your phone in a pocket and lean up against something, you may accidentally set it off.

3. to cause something to be noticed or make it more attractive You look terrific with those black slacks, and the bright blue blouse sets off your eyes.

See also: set