Phrases & Expressions

To manage to live with very little money or resources.

• They scrape by on low wages.
• It's hard to scrape by these days.

To deal with or take care of a matter or task.

• I'll see to the arrangements.
• Don't worry about the bills; I'll see to them.

To send something to many people at the same time.

• We sent out invitations for the party last week.
• The school sends out a newsletter every month.

To start doing a task or dealing with something, often with energy.

• She set about cleaning the house immediately.
• He set about his work with great enthusiasm.

To save something for a particular purpose or time.

• Set aside some money for your holiday.
• She sets aside an hour every evening to read.

To write something on paper.

• Please set down your name and address.
• She set down her thoughts in a small notebook every night.

To allow someone or something to be free or to go where they want.

• They set the birds free.
• The prisoners were set free after the war.

To begin a journey.

• They set off on their adventure at dawn.
• We set off early to avoid the traffic.

To visit several shops or compare prices before buying something.

• It's worth shopping around before you buy a new laptop.
• I always shop around for the best deals.

To try to impress people by showing your abilities or possessions in an annoying way.

• Stop showing off and be more modest.
• He's always showing off in front of his friends.