set in motion

Idioms  

1. Start something moving, give impetus to something, as in A press conference set the new project in motion. It is also put as set the wheels in motion, as in Let's set the wheels in motion for the new library wing. This idiom dates from about 1800. It was preceded by put in motion, which dates from the mid-1600s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

set in motion

It opens at Harrenhal on the eve of an infamous tournament that set in motion events leading to the overthrow of King Aerys II Targaryen, the titular mad king.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

Karyoptosis refers to a series of chemical reactions set in motion when toxic proteins accumulate inside a cell.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 5, 2026

She cautioned that "if tensions were to arise on that front, for example in the event of a change in interest rates or market sentiment, contagion effects could be set in motion".

From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026

It also set in motion a chain of events, which resulted in the biggest investigation into a single NHS service since its creation.

From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026

The actions set in motion by the little hammers were then translated back up through a series of rods that led into the man’s torso.

From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick

Related Words

• commence
• create
• do
• establish
• found
• go ahead
• go into
• inaugurate
• initiate
• introduce
• launch
• lead
• make
• open
• prepare
• produce
• set up
• start
• undertake