set about

se mettre à, entreprendre

Commencer à faire un travail, généralement avec un effort ou un plan.

En anglais simple : To begin doing a task, usually with effort or a plan.

• We set about cleaning the house.
• How will you set about finding a job?
• He set about the repairs immediately.

Comment l'utiliser : set about doing something (We set about repairing the roof.); set about something (She set about the task with enthusiasm.)

Synonymes : begin, start, tackle

Expressions courantes : set about doing something, set about the task

attaquer, agresser

Commencer à frapper ou à attaquer quelqu’un.

En anglais simple : To start hitting or attacking someone.

• The men set about him.
• Two strangers set about her in the street.
• They set about the guard with sticks.

Comment l'utiliser : set about someone (The gang set about him outside the station.)

Synonymes : attack, set upon

Expressions courantes : set about someone, set about a stranger

disposer çà et là

Placer des choses à différents endroits dans un espace.

En anglais simple : To put things in various places around an area.

• They set chairs about the room.
• Small tables had been set about the garden.
• She set candles about the hall before dinner.

Comment l'utiliser : set something about a place (They set lamps about the garden.)

Synonymes : place around, arrange

Expressions courantes : set about the room, set about the garden

répandre, faire circuler

Faire connaître une nouvelle ou une histoire à beaucoup de personnes.

En anglais simple : To make news or a story known to many people.

• They set about a false rumour.
• Who set that story about?
• Reports of his departure were set about the town.

Comment l'utiliser : set something about (Someone set a false rumour about.)

Synonymes : spread, circulate

Expressions courantes : set about a rumour, set about false reports