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set-to

[ set-too ]
/ ˈsɛtˌtu /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR set-to

noun, plural set-tos.

a usually brief, sharp fight or argument.

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Origin of set-to

First recorded in 1735–45; noun use of verb phrase set to

Words nearby set-to

settle with, settling, settlings, settling tank, settlor, set-to, set tongues wagging, set-top, set-top box, set to rights, Setúbal
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to set-to

squabble, clash, exchange, brawl, disagreement, controversy, feud, altercation, dispute, debate, quarrel, bickering, tussle, ruckus, scuffle, scrimmage, fracas, skirmish, brouhaha, free-for-all

Example sentences from the Web for set-to

British Dictionary definitions for set-to

set to

verb (intr, adverb)

to begin working
to start fighting

noun set-to

informal a brief disagreement or fight
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with set-to

set to
1

Apply oneself, begin, work energetically, as in We set to revamping our policy on child care, or She set to studying for the bar exam. [Early 1400s]

2

Begin fighting, as in Both of them were furious, and they set to immediately. [First half of 1700s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.