be set on something/on doing 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

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

be (ˌdead) ˈset on something/on doing something

want to do or have something very much; be determined to do or have something: She’s dead set on leaving her job and emigrating to Canada.

See also: on, set, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017