Phrase guide

set up shop

verb · 2 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

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To physically arrange a shop or workplace.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He set up shop in his garage every Saturday.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To establish a business.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • They set up shop as venture capitalists on Sand Hill Road.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: close up shop

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: avata — physically arrange a shop or workplace
  • Finnish: pystyttää — physically arrange a shop or workplace
  • Polish: zakładać interes — physically arrange a shop or workplace
  • Polish: założyć interes — physically arrange a shop or workplace
  • Finnish: perustaa — to establish a business
  • Polish: zaczynać działalność — to establish a business
  • Polish: zacząć działalność — to establish a business
  • Spanish: establecer un negocio — to establish a business
  • Spanish: fundar una empresa — to establish a business
  • Spanish: abrir un establecimiento — to establish a business
  • Spanish: montar un local — to establish a business