set about

Get to work

To set about something is to begin or undertake it with purpose: She set about cleaning the house, He set about finding a new job.

The phrase implies determined, methodical action rather than casual starting.

To set about someone (chiefly British) is to attack them physically: The gang set about him in the alley.

begin

start

To set going

commenceTo set underway
initiateTo set in motion
undertakeBegin a task formally

embark · launch · tackle · approach · engage · attempt · proceed · get going · get started · kick off

plan

prepare

Make ready beforehand

organizePut into systematic order
arrangePlace methodically
strategizeDevise a plan

outline · design · formulate · devise · draft · plot · scheme · blueprint · sketch · conceive

attack

assail

Vigorously go after

assaultViolent offensive act
turn onCause to operate
go atAttack or tackle

lay into · fall upon · pounce · confront · charge · accost · beset

Categories

dependencedepend, depend on, dependency, rely, need
starting wordsbegin, start, commence, initiate, embark

Opposites

initiation of action

set aboutprocrastinate

Delay action unnecessarily

delay · put off · defer · postpone · hesitate

engagement with task

set aboutabandon

Leave behind permanently

give up · neglect · shirk · quit · drop

Family

about, set, setting, sets, set out, unsettled, mindset, outset, unsettle

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G