set down
Related to set down: settle down
set (one) down as (something)
To regard or consider one as something, especially in a dismissive or condescending manner. It's easy to set him down as a brainless braggart, but there is a deceptive amount of strategy in his approach. After she was caught smoking pot, her teachers set her down as a miscreant.
See also: down, set
set (something) down to (something)
To regard or determine something as arising from a particular cause or source. We just have to set the failure down to bad luck. They'll set this mistake down to your inexperience, but that excuse won't fly for long.
See also: down, set
set down
1. Literally, to place or rest someone or something down on or into something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "down." You can set down those groceries on the table, thanks. I set the baby down in her playpen and then went to answer the phone. We set down our bags and followed the concierge to our room.
2. To note or record something, especially in writing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "down." I'd like everyone to set down a few ideas for the next project before tomorrow's meeting. He set down some broad ideas for the story.
3. To prescribe or ordain something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "down." It's the dungeon master's duty to set the rules down before the game begins. The chaplain reminded the man of the laws set down by God.
4. To deem, consider, or regard someone or something to be a certain type or person or thing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "down." I had set her down as nothing but a fool, but she proved me wrong.
5. To deem something to be the cause of something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "down." We set David's erratic behavior down to sleep deprivation.
6. To land an aircraft. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "down." They were forced to set the plane down in the river after one of the engines failed. I'm just looking for a good place to set the hot-air balloon down.
7. Of an aircraft or its pilot, to land. When are we supposed to set down in Chicago?
8. Of a transportation vehicle, to stop moving so as to allow passengers to board or alight. Please stand back from the curb when the bus sets down. The ferry sets down at the pier of the small island every two hours or so.
9. colloquial To sit down, especially in order to relax. Primarily heard in US. Now why don't you just set down in here and take a load off your feet!
See also: down, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
set someone or something down
and put someone or something downto lower or set down someone or something. (See also set something down; put someone or something down.) Put me down! Please set that vase down. It cost a fortune. Put down that gun!
See also: down, set
set someone down (on something)
and set someone down (onto something)to place a person one is carrying or lifting onto something. I set the small boy down onto the desk and gave him a piece of candy. Set the baby down and come over here.
See also: down, set
set something down
and put something down1. to place something on the surface of something. Andy set the hot skillet down on the dishcloth and burned a hole in it. He set down the skillet here and burned the counter.
2. to write something on paper. Let me put this down on paper so we will have a record of what was said. I will set down this note on paper.
3. to land an aircraft. The pilot put the plane down exactly on time. I can't set down this plane in the fog.
See also: down, set
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
set down
1. Place in a lower position, as in Set the baby down here, or Set the bags down on the hall table. [Late 1400s]
2. Put in writing, record, as in Just set down all the facts as you remember them. [Second half of 1500s]
3. Regard, consider, as in Just set him down as a fool. [Late 1700s]
4. Assign to a cause, ascribe, as in Let's set down his error to inexperience. [Early 1800s]
5. Land an aircraft, as in The pilot set the plane down hard on the runway. Also see put down.
See also: down, set
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
set down
v.
1. To put something on the surface of something: They set the boxes down on the floor. I set down my book and closed my eyes.
2. To put something in writing; record something: I set down some ideas for a novel. The committee set their findings down in a report.
3. To land some aircraft: The pilot set the plane down hard. She found a clearing and set down the helicopter.
4. To land: The plane set down at a small airport outside the city.
5. Baseball To put out some batter; retire someone. Used of a pitcher: The pitcher set down the first two hitters. The hitter stepped up to the plate, and the pitcher set him down with a fastball.
6. set down as To regard someone as something: They set her down as a liar and never trusted her again.
7. set down to To attribute some event to some cause: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
See also: down, set
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- set (one) down as (something)
- set down as
- breeze past (someone or something)
- mansplain
- jaw (one) down
- jaw down
- jaw someone down
- jawed
- bring (one) low
- talk down to