set aside
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set aside
1. Literally, to put something to the side or out of the way. A noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "aside." Would you mind setting those books aside so I can clean the desk? Please set your phone aside while I'm talking to you!
2. To temporarily stop focusing on or paying attention to something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "aside." Set the financial aspects aside for a moment and focus on what kind of work would make you the happiest. Can you two just set aside your differences for now and get this done, please?
3. To reserve or save something for someone or for a later use. A noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "aside." I can set the dress aside for you, if you'd like to think about it for a day. I recommend you set aside your bonus as a rainy-day fund for the future.
4. To ignore, abandon, or discard someone. A noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "aside." It just feels like Sarah always sets me aside for her work. He set aside his family and friends, cutting himself off from everyone who cared about him. She's a good woman, Clarence. Don't set her aside, or you'll live to regret it.
5. To overturn or nullify something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "set" and "aside." The judge set aside the previous ruling and called for a new trial. The committee reserves the right to set decisions like these aside if it considers the evidence compelling enough to do so.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
set something aside (for someone or something)
to reserve something for someone or some purpose. I will set a piece of cake aside for you. Liz set aside some cake for Karen.
set something aside
to place something in a place that is to one side or out of the way. Betty set the manuscript aside until she had more time to work on it. Liz set aside her book for a while.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
set aside
1. Separate and reserve for a special purpose, as in We have to set aside some chairs for latecomers. [Early 1700s] Also see set by.
2. Discard or reject, as in Setting aside all health considerations, do you believe this law is fair to smokers? [Early 1400s]
3. Declare invalid, annul, or overrule, as in The higher court set aside the conviction. [Mid-1700s] Also see lay aside.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
set aside
v.
1. To separate and reserve something for a special purpose: We set aside some time to discuss the new project. The developer set two acres aside for a park.
2. To discard or reject something: He set aside his concerns and allowed his child to go on the field trip. She set her fears aside and continued down the dark trail.
3. To declare something invalid; annul or overrule something: The judge set aside a lower court ruling. The appellate court set the conviction aside, and the prisoner was released.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.