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.

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Example Sentences

The defending champion flunked her first run as world champion Atkin set the pace with 90.50.

From Barron's

The defending champion flunked her first run, scoring just 30.00, as world champion Atkin set the pace with 90.50.

From Barron's

Nakai, 17, set the pace in the short programme on Tuesday, upstaging teammate Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time Olympic medallist.

From Barron's

The women's singles figure skating contest is finely poised after Japanese teenager Ami Nakai set the pace in the short programme ahead of her more established compatriot Kaori Sakamoto on Tuesday.

From Barron's

"The sort of thing that she used to do, where it would be six episodes and you'd see inside her house, set the pace for what cookery shows were for such a long time," he says.

From BBC