set the pace

Idioms  

1. Establish a standard for others to follow, as in Jim has set the pace for the department, exceeding the monthly quota every time. This expression comes from racing, where it is said of a horse that passes the others and leads the field. It was transferred to other activities in the early 1900s.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

set the pace

The Dow Jones Industrial Average set the pace for Friday’s gains, rising 478.6 points, or 0.93%, to 51828.6.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

Ferrari set the pace on the medium tyres in the first part of Friday's opening session but they could not match the pace of the Mercedes on the soft compound.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

As Goldstein reported, the state has often set the pace for Republican education policy in the Trump era.

From Salon ● May 14, 2026

Matejka’s hunch is that unlike 2025, Magnificent Seven stocks may not set the pace in a rebound and the leadership may be more broad-based.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 27, 2026

Robert set the pace, driving his huge black destrier hard as Ned galloped along beside him, trying to keep up.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin