set back: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘set back’ mean?
The idiom "set back" means to hinder or delay progress or development. It refers to a situation where there is a setback or an obstacle that prevents something from moving forward smoothly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn back" means to go back or reverse direction. It is commonly used to express the action of returning to a previous location or reversing a decision or action.
The idiom "step back" means to pause, reflect, or withdraw from a situation in order to gain a better perspective or understanding. It suggests the need to take a break and reassess the situation before making any decisions or taking further action.
The idiom "stay behind" means to remain in a place or position after others have left. It implies a deliberate choice to not move forward with others or to stay out of sight for various reasons.
The idiom "start over" means to begin again or to make a fresh start after a setback or failure.
The idiom "stand in one's own light" means to do something that hinders or harms one's own progress, success, or reputation.
The idiom "stand from under" means to get out of the way or to move aside in order to avoid being hurt or affected by a situation, often a dangerous or unpredictable one.
The idiom "stand behind" means to support or be in agreement with something or someone, or to take responsibility for something.
The idiom "stall for time" means to intentionally delay or prolong something in order to gain additional time, usually to think or plan a response.
The idiom *slow-walk* means to intentionally delay or drag out a process or task in order to hinder progress or avoid taking action, often with the intention of causing frustration or inconvenience to others.
Unveiling setback through etymology.
Set back is an idiom with multiple meanings and can be used both as a verb and as a noun. It means to delay or hinder the progress of someone or something. This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, and its origins can be traced back to the 16th century.
The verb form of set back implies an action that interferes with or hampers someone's or something's progress. For example, if a construction project is hindered by bad weather, it means the project is delayed because of adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, if a person's plans are delayed due to an unforeseen circumstance, it indicates that their plans have been hindered or delayed because of an unexpected event.
When used as a noun, set back refers to a problem or difficulty that causes a delay or a reversal. For instance, if a student encounters a hindrance during their studies, it means they have faced a significant obstacle or difficulty that has hindered their progress. Similarly, if a business experiences a setback, it signifies that they have encountered an obstacle or a loss that has impeded their growth or success.
The phrase set back is derived from the verb set meaning "to fix in a particular position or direction" and the noun back meaning "the rear surface of a person's body." The combination of these two words creates the idiomatic expression set back, which metaphorically implies putting something or someone in a disadvantageous or unfavorable position.
While the specific origin of this idiomatic expression is unclear, its usage has been documented since the late 16th century. Over time, the phrase set back has become widely known and is now a common part of everyday language.
The figurative nature of the idiom set back allows for its application in various contexts. Whether it be personal development, business endeavors, or even societal progress, setbacks are an inevitable part of life. They can arise unexpectedly, disrupting even the most meticulously planned endeavors and offering valuable lessons along the way.
Understanding the implications of the idiom set back can help individuals and organizations better navigate challenges. By acknowledging setbacks as temporary obstacles that provide opportunities for growth and resilience, one can approach adversity with a proactive mindset. Even though setbacks may cause frustration or disappointment, they serve as reminders that success is often achieved through perseverance and adaptability. By embracing setbacks as part of the journey, individuals can move forward with renewed determination and ultimately reach their desired goals.
hold back is another idiom related to set back. It means to restrain or keep something from progressing or advancing. In a similar vein, setbacks can hold individuals and organizations back from achieving their goals or reaching their full potential. These setbacks may include unforeseen obstacles or difficulties that hinder progress.
put back is another idiom related to set back. It means to delay the occurrence or completion of something. When setbacks occur, they can put back timelines and schedules, causing delays and disruptions. These delays can set individuals and organizations back in terms of progress and achievement.
turn back is another idiom related to set back. It means to change direction or reverse course. Setbacks can sometimes force individuals and organizations to turn back and reassess their plans or strategies. These reversals may require adjustments and adaptations to overcome the obstacles and continue moving forward.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "set back" can be used in a sentence:
- After the car accident, the repairs to Mike's car set him back a few thousand dollars.
- The company's plan to expand was set back when the CEO unexpectedly resigned.
- John's injury has set his training for the marathon back several weeks.
More "Verb" idioms
