set against

British  

verb

1. to balance or compare

   to set a person's faults against his virtues

2. to cause to be hostile or unfriendly to

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set against Idioms  

1. Be or cause someone to be opposed to, as in Civil wars often set brother against brother, or The police chief's critics were set against his officers. [Late 1200s] Also see dead set against.

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Example Sentences

The King was given his own chair and silk cushion to witness the British-Nigerian designer's Notting Hill inspired runway, which was set against a backdrop of the area of London she grew up in.

From BBC

Behind her are large, glowing angel wings set against a golden, cloudy sky, creating a heavenly theme.

From Los Angeles Times

Alcaraz raced through the opening set against Royer, breaking twice without facing a break point.

From Barron's

Near Kelly: Set against the Teton Range, the movie “Shane” ends with Alan Ladd in the title role riding away on his horse while little Joey wails, “Shane! SHANE! Come back!”

From The Wall Street Journal

This is not the most shocking admission considering the sci-fi thriller is set against the backdrop of an ocean of human blood – but what has been a surprise is its dramatic box office success.

From BBC

Related Words

• analyze
• contrast
• correlate
• equal
• match
• measure
• study