Phrase guide

set to work

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To begin working.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • As soon as he got home, he went to his desk and set to work.
  • Every day he sets to work at the new assignments.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To begin working at.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • As soon as I could, I set to work making the entries.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To cause to begin working.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • I will immediately set them to work.
  • I was setting the children to work cleaning their rooms.
  • I set the pump to work getting the water out of the basement.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: put to work

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.