set about doing

set about (doing something)

To undertake a task; to begin doing something. After the meeting, I'll set about writing a draft of the report. They set about cleaning the house from top to bottom before their guests arrived.
See also: set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

set about doing something

to begin to do something. When are you going to set about fixing the roof? We will set about painting the house when the weather gets a little cooler.
See also: set
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • set about
  • set about (doing something)
  • set to
  • set to do
  • set to work (on something)
  • get (all) set
  • get set
  • set
  • all set
  • set the ball rolling
References in classic literature
Nevertheless, by the time I had buried the last of my companions my stock of provisions was so small that I hardly thought I should live long enough to dig my own grave, which I set about doing, while I regretted bitterly the roving disposition which was always bringing me into such straits, and thought longingly of all the comfort and luxury that I had left.
Arabian Nights
I told him exactly how everything had happened, and when I said I must go, and asked him to further me on my way, he made no sort of difficulty, but set about doing so at once.
Odyssey
You always did, and you always will, when you set about doing as you please.
Middlemarch
UNTIL HIS INJURY IN surroundings not that familiar to him, Kevin de Bruyne set about doing exactly what he does best and dominating on the pitch.
ANALYSIS WHAT WE LEARNED
Paul and Ross set up a mini-science lab and set about doing complex science to produce simple spirits.
Gin and TONIC for new city distillers; Pals mixing up a scientific approach to drinks firm
Not only this, but he was Manchester United's first choice midfield target, before they realised they could probably entice Sanchez to Old Trafford and set about doing exactly that.
Mesut Ozil enjoys day out in London on the tube as Arsenal prepare to tie German down to new contract; The Gunners playmaker spent the day posing for pictures with his "gang" on the streets of London
They have been very entertaining and for me they are a great example of how a club should set about doing things.
Cherries' sweet success
David Warner and Rogers set about doing that, the former making 40 before he went leg before to R Ashwin.
India face a testing run chase; CRICKET
Luke Fish and Josh Dunleavy set about doing what they have all season and removed a stubborn Quins batting line-up for 46 second time around.
Domestic treble is on for the Buns
If you really want your kids to have a strong religious upbringing then, as Dave Allen used to say, may your God go with you as you set about doing this in a church, mosque, or synagogue, or even, how about this, in your own home?
KEEPING THE FAITH IS FINE IN CHURCH. NOT IN SCHOOLS
Having destroyed Audrey Roberts' relationship with reformed con man Lewis Archer, Glo has set about doing the same to Rita and Dennis because she's a "malicious trollop", according to Rita.
Doing a moonlight flit; We love SOAPS
After being diagnosed with inoperable cancer, he set about doing something positive to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Staff get running in memory of brave Neil
Participants are given a theme 12 months in advance and many groups set about doing their best to win worthwhile prizes.
Pen points
As with the original, the genius of this Deus Ex is the freedom with which you can set about doing so.
a glorious revolution; 28.08.2011 Your games.. gadgets.. & gigs By dan silver