set in motion — to start or initiate a process, chain of events, or activity
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to start or initiate a process, chain of events, or activity
Pronunciation (IPA): /sɛt ɪn ˈmoʊʃən/
Example Sentences
- His resignation set a series of gossips in motion throughout the office.
- The teacher's coffee spill set a chain of disasters in motion during the exam.
- The government will set the new education reform in motion next year.
set in motion
VERB[/sɛt ɪn ˈmoʊʃən/]
to start or initiate a process, chain of events, or activity
to start or initiate a process, chain of events, or activity
Her devotion sets in motion pure emotion!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase combines Old English 'settan' (to place or put) with Latin 'motio' (motion, movement), forming a compound expression meaning to initiate or start movement. The idiom developed in Middle English as 'set' acquired the sense of 'to cause' or 'to put into action' when paired with 'motion'.
Breakdown
set (Old English 'settan': to place) + in (preposition indicating position or state) + motion (Latin 'motio': movement or action derived from 'movere': to move).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His resignation set a series of gossips in motion throughout the office.”
“The teacher's coffee spill set a chain of disasters in motion during the exam.”
“The government will set the new education reform in motion next year.”
“Her brilliant idea set the whole project in motion.”
📚Related Words
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