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set a precedent

Idioms

Establish a usage, tradition, or standard to be followed in the future. For example, He set a precedent by having the chaplain lead the academic procession. The word precedent here signifies a previous instance or legal decision upon which future instances are based, a usage dating from the early 1400s. In British and American law it more specifically refers to a legal decision that may be used as a standard in subsequent cases.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Supporters are hoping the vote will set a precedent for the rest of the region, where residents are fighting proposals in Vernon and City of Industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

According to Chan, the department set a precedent by moving a complex live system to an in-house set up, reducing reliance on external suppliers.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

If the release goes well, it could set a precedent for the company and how it launches products based on price in the future.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Mizuho analyst Dan Dolev also wondered whether the move would set a precedent for other technology companies.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Apollo set a precedent for the future in another interesting way.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023