set to work (on something)

set to work (on something)

To undertake a task; to begin working on something. I knew I had to have the report finished by tonight, so I set to work immediately. She set to work on a new design that would reduce emissions from the engine.
See also: set, work
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

set someone or something to work

to start someone or something working; to cause someone or something to begin functioning. The captain set everyone to work repairing the tears in the fabric of the sails. We will set the machines to work at the regular time.
See also: set, work

set to work (on someone or something)

to begin working on someone or something. We have finished questioning Tom, so we will set to work on Fred. We set to work on dinner at noon.
See also: set, work
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • set to work on (someone)
  • set about your work
  • set about
  • set about (doing something)
  • set about doing
  • set to
  • set to do
  • get (all) set
  • get set
  • all set