set behind
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle behind
Meanings
Cause something or someone to be slower than expected
Why “behind”? One person or thing follows behind another on the same path.
“The late start set us two days behind schedule.”
“The missing parts set repairs a week behind schedule.”
Don't confuse with
Set behind means cause something or someone to be slower than expected. Set about means begin a task with deliberate effort.
Test yourself
“The late start set us two days behind schedule.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
set about
A contrast learners often mix up
Begin a task with deliberate effort
be behind
Same behind pattern: late
Be late with work or a schedule; Be the hidden cause or organiser of something; Support a person, plan, or cause
drop behind
Same behind pattern: late
Lose your position relative to a group moving ahead
fall behind
Same behind pattern: late
Fail to keep pace or make progress as quickly as others; Of a payment, become late or owed
get behind
Same behind pattern: late
Become late with work, payments, or schedule; Support a person, idea, or cause
lag behind
Same behind pattern: late
Move or progress more slowly than others
leave behind
Same behind pattern: late
Forget or fail to take something with you when you go; Surpass someone in development or achievement; Depart from someone, ending a relationship or association
run behind
Same behind pattern: late
Be later than scheduled
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