set in motion
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Related to set in motion: put into motion
set (something) in motion
To act to cause something to begin. The senator from New Hampshire set the legislation in motion. We've been planning the details for months, but it's ultimately up to the boss to set the project in motion.
set something in motion
to start something moving. The mayor set the project in motion by digging the first shovelful of soil. I cannot set the procedure in motion until I receive a purchase order.
set in motion
Start something moving, give impetus to something, as in A press conference set the new project in motion. It is also put as set the wheels in motion, as in Let's set the wheels in motion for the new library wing. This idiom dates from about 1800. It was preceded by put in motion, which dates from the mid-1600s.
put/set something in ˈmotion
(also set the wheels in ˈmotion) do what is necessary to make a start on a project, plan, meeting, etc: The Government wants to put the new reforms in motion before the election. ♢ It will be many years before we see any results, but at least we know that the wheels are in motion.This expression refers to starting a large and complicated piece of machinery.
set in motion
To give impetus to: The indictment set the judicial process in motion.