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

There was a desire to set a precedent and avoid perceptions that Fernandez, one of the squad's senior figures, had received preferential treatment.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 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

His work set a precedent for autonomy and creative control as hip-hop became a commercial juggernaut in the ’90s.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 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