| 词组 | set against |
| 释义 | set against 1. set sth against sth BrE to consider whether the advantages in a situation are greater than the disadvantages: ▪ The recent increase in output has to be set against increased labor costs. ▪ The risks seem small when set against the potential benefits of biotechnology. ■ SIMILAR TO: ↑weigh against, ↑balance against 2. set sth against sth to compare two amounts, numbers, periods etc: ▪ This $6 million grant seems less impressive when set against the government's $800 million investment programme for the region. 3. be set against sth if a film, play, story etc is set against a particular place or period of history, the story takes place in that place or during that period be set against the background/backdrop of sth ▪ Many of Forester's novels are set against the background of the Napoleonic Wars. ▪ Infidelity, ambition, and violence are all part of this drama set against the glamorous backdrop of Beverly Hills society. 4. set against sth • set sth against sth to be in front of a particular background, especially in a way that is attractive: ▪ red and orange autumn leaves, set against a clear blue sky ▪ a region of rice fields, coconut groves and jungles, set against a horizon of hazy mountains set against a background/backdrop ▪ Bold stripes in red and orange are set against a crisp white background. 5. set sb against sb to make someone start a fight or quarrel with another person, especially someone who they had a friendly relationship with before: ▪ The bitter civil war has set brother against brother. ▪ Capitalists have a direct interest in setting white workers against black and undermining the unity of the working class. ■ SIMILAR TO: ↑turn against 6. be (dead) set against sth to be strongly opposed to something: ▪ What made you change your mind? Last night, you were dead set against the idea. ▪ When I first told my parents that I wanted to be an actor, they were dead set against it. ■ SIMILAR TO: ↑be opposed to 7. set sth against tax BrE to make an official record of the amount of money that you have spent in connection with your business, in order to reduce the amount of tax that you have to pay: ▪ Heating and lighting costs can be set against tax. ■ SIMILAR TO: ↑set off against |
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