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3. set (oneself) up for a letdown

set (oneself) up for a letdown

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set (oneself) up for a letdown

To set one's expectations so high that one will inevitably be disappointed by the outcome. (Sometimes hyphenated as "let-down.") I know you're really excited for this movie to come out, but I think you're setting yourself up for a letdown. John was so convinced that his relationship with Mary was perfect that he set himself up for a let-down in the long run.

See also: letdown, set, up