Phrases & Expressions

To compete in an election for a political office.

• He's running for president next year.
• She decided to run for mayor in her hometown.

Having no energy left; exhausted.

• After the marathon, I was running on empty.
• I have worked late every night this week and I am running on empty.

To finally understand or accept something, often after a long time of resisting it.

• After years of doubt, he saw the light.
• She finally saw the light and changed her plan for the project.

To understand someone's true character or intentions.

• I saw through his lies and deception.
• Nobody was fooled; everyone saw through his excuse.

To sell all of a product, so none is left.

• The concert tickets sold out in minutes.
• The shop had sold out of bread by noon.

To achieve the best result of its kind that has been done so far.

• She set a record for the fastest swim.
• The film set a record for opening-week sales.

To decide on a goal.

• The company set ambitious targets.
• We set new targets every quarter.

To model good behaviour so others follow suit.

• Parents should set a good example for their children.
• He set an example for the whole team.

Permanent and unchangeable.

• The plans for the new building are not set in stone yet.
• His decision to leave was set in stone.

To achieve the best result or performance ever recorded.

• He set the record for the fastest marathon.
• She set a new world record in swimming.