set off — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

set off

start a journey trigger something highlight by contrast

Meaning 1 · most common

start a journey

set off for/to [place)

to begin traveling to a place, especially after preparing to leave.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

We set off early in the morning to avoid the traffic.

A: What time are you setting off for the airport?
B: Around 6 a.m., so I can catch my flight.

Common mistake

Not: We set off to the airport at 6.

Say: We set off for the airport at 6.

You set off FOR a destination (set off TO + verb is also fine: 'set off to find it').

More on “start a journey”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Last summer, my friends and I set off on a road trip across the country. We planned everything in advance and left just after sunrise.

Tell it apart

We set off early to beat the traffic.

started the journey

The smoke set off the alarm.

triggered it

Goes with

set off + journey detail

Practice saying this

Next meaning: trigger something

Meaning 2

trigger something

set off sth

to cause something to start happening, especially suddenly or unexpectedly.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The smoke set off the fire alarm in the kitchen.

A: Why did the dogs start barking?
B: I think the fireworks set them off.

Common mistake

Not: The burnt toast set off to the alarm.

Say: The burnt toast set off the alarm.

'Set off' takes the thing triggered directly — no 'to'.

More on “trigger something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Loud noises can sometimes set off anxiety in people, especially if they are sensitive to sound.

Tell it apart

The smoke set off the alarm.

triggered it

We set off early to beat the traffic.

began the journey

Goes with

set off + trigger

Practice saying this

Next meaning: highlight by contrast

Meaning 3

highlight by contrast

set off sth

to make something look more attractive or noticeable by being different from it, especially through contrast in appearance or qualities.

How oftenRare

LevelC2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The bright blue cushions really set off the neutral tones of the living room.

A: That necklace looks amazing on you!
B: Thanks! I think the green stones really set off my eyes.

Common mistake

Not: That scarf sets off ~~with~~ your eyes.

Say: That scarf really sets off your eyes.

'Set off' takes the object directly (no 'with') — it means 'makes it look better by contrast'.

More on “highlight by contrast”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

The architect chose dark window frames to set off the light stone façade, creating a striking visual effect.

Tell it apart

The lighting sets off the artwork.

makes it stand out flatteringly

The lighting set off the alarm.

triggered it

Goes with

set off + feature

Practice saying this

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start a journey trigger something highlight by contrast