set a precedent

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

set a precedent

"I really hope it doesn't set a precedent going forward."

From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026

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

"I hope this will set a precedent for other people in Thailand to follow suit," he added.

From Barron's ● May 25, 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

Mrs. Gascoyne said they didn’t want to treat me differently from everyone else in the school because then everyone would want to be treated differently and it would set a precedent.

From "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon