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set aside

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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.

See also: aside, set

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.

See also: aside, set

set aside something

also set something aside

1. to save something for a particular purpose It's wise to set aside some money for unexpected expenses that may come up in the future. After melting the chocolate, set it aside and beat the eggs. Related vocabulary: put aside something

2. to not allow something to influence an activity We need to set aside our differences and work together. Ancient rivalries still threaten the cause of peace, but we must set them aside. Related vocabulary: lay aside something

3. to cause a previous legal judgment to have no effect The court set aside his conviction and ordered a new trial.

See also: aside, set

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.

See also: aside, set

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.

See also: aside, set