Set off
/ˈset ˈɒf/B1
PreIntermediate
1. To start a journey or trip.
- We set off for the mountains at dawn.
- He set off on his cross-country adventure last week.
2. To cause something to operate, particularly an alarm.
- The smoke from the kitchen accidentally set off the fire alarm.
- He set off the security alarm by mistake.
3. To make something start or begin a process, often a chain of events.
- Her comment set off a chain reaction of protests.
- The sudden drop in temperature set off a series of complaints from the tenants.
4. To highlight or enhance by contrast.
- The bright blue scarf set off her dark eyes beautifully.
- The new paint really sets off the features of the building.
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