dead set against

dead set against (someone or something)

Completely opposed to someone or something. Most of the department is dead set against one of our peers becoming our boss, even temporarily. Many people in our small town are dead set against that big construction project, and I think you'll have a hard time changing their minds.
See also: dead, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

dead set against someone or something

totally opposed to someone or something. I'm dead set against the new tax proposal. Everyone is dead set against the mayor.
See also: dead, set
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

dead set against

Completely opposed to, as in His parents were dead set against John's taking a year off from college. Set against has been used to mean "opposed to" since the 1400s. Dead acquired the meaning "utterly" in the 16th century.
See also: dead, set
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

dead set against

Unutterably opposed. This Americanism probably comes from industry, where a machine is said to be dead set when it is fastened so that it cannot be made to move. The transfer to firm resolve or hostility against some person, course of action, and so on, was made by the early nineteenth century. “A dead set is to be made from various quarters against the abominable innovation of publishing Divisions by authority” (General P. Thompson, 1836).
See also: dead, set
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • dead set against (someone or something)
  • be dead set against (someone or something)
  • be dead set against something
  • be set against (something)
  • be set against something/against doing something
  • get it off with
  • get it off with (someone)
  • lend (something) out (to one)
  • lend out
  • have (someone) going
References in periodicals archive
Dear Maggie I want to get a puppy but my wife is dead set against it.
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He alleged that the school administration where the drops were administered had been dead set against the immunisation of students and implied that they may have fanned a panic after they were forced to comply.
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'If the people are dead set against the project, we will need to discuss with the developer.
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Unions, business and now Labour members are dead set against Brexit as the reality of it dawns.
Give us the chance to think again
I did go on a Ban the Bomb march when I was 18, and I'm still dead set against war.
THE OAP Q&A
Tell her when and how often you'd like to see them or have them to stay and, if she's dead set against it, then you need to get some professional guidance.
WIFE'S TAKING DRUGS AND I FEAR FOR KIDS
If you're really dead set against vine fruits (I suspect that it's the currants that put people off Christmas Pudding) then why not try making the brioche sandwiches with chunky marmalade or apricot jam?
An alternative to Christmas pudding .. (if you must!); Stephen is co-owner and chef at T&Cake Cafe, Almondbury
As chairman of the PFA, I was regularly asked about my opinions on the matter and was always dead set against it.
Why I've changed my tune over TV replays
As chairman of the PFA I was regularly asked about my opinions on the matter and was always absolutely 100% dead set against it.
Video a boost to modern football
ISPs have of course been dead set against the concept from the getgo, and Reuters noted that they are a near lock to challenge the back-end portion of such a plan.
Skeptics greet Wheeler hybrid internet plan
But if Silverman is dead set against marriage, does she have the same thinking about having children?
Sarah Silverman Declares Love for Boyfriend Michael Sheen's Ex Kate Beckinsale
Cheryl is dead set against her and you can understand why.
MUM'S BID TO GIVE X FACTOR PANEL A LITTLE TENDERNESS
Raf was previously dead set against the idea of adoption and there''s no way he's going to want to bring up Harry Tressler's sprog as his own.
WE LOVE DRAMA