set (someone, something, or oneself) apart (from someone or something)
To do something that makes someone, something, or oneself noticeable, remarkable, or distinct (in comparison to someone or something else). The author's brilliant wit really sets her apart from other contemporary writers today. The city sets itself apart by incorporating its metropolitan elements with the surrounding forestry, rather than supplanting it. But it's the incredible display that really sets this device apart from other smartphones in the same price range.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
set something apart from (something else)
1. to move something so it is away from something else. Set the old ones apart from the others so we can sell them first. The stale loaves were set apart from the fresh ones.
2. to make something stand out when compared to something else. The bright green really sets this plant apart from the others. Her golden hair sets her apart from all the others.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.