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Glite Dictionary
to reset the dial

to reset the dial

4.5
Move a control back to its original position
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : reiniciar el dial
  • To improve our efficiency, we need to reset the dial on our project goals to ensure everyone is aligned.

Have somebody to help you reset the dial.

Examples

  • If you are set for a pure white composition and then shift to a subject that includes significant dark areas, the proper compensation setting is no longer the same; and second, the chance that this photographer will forget to reset the dial to the normal position, thus jeopardizing future photographs, is nearly 100%.

    Academic text (1994)

  • After the test results came in, the teacher decided to reset the dial to standard grading practices.

  • The technician advised us to reset the dial on the machine to its original settings for optimal performance.

Synonyms

to reset
vsto reset the dial
107 2.9

To set something back to its original state

applies specifically to adjusting a physical control or restoring defaults
to reinitialize
vsto reset the dial
  • Specialized
7 7.2

Set a device or program back to its original settings

is less technical and used for physical controls or general situations
to turn back to zero
vsto reset the dial
  • Specialized
5.3

To put a device like a scale or gauge back to zero

covers broader control or situation restoration rather than only returning instrument readings to start

Antonyms

to disturb
97 2.1

Move something and make it untidy or broken

How Complete

to reset the dial
4.5
to unset
6.5

Surface Forms

reset the dial infinitive
reset the dial past
reset the dial past participle
resetting the dial present participle
resets the dial third person singular

Morphology

reset + the + dial

The meaning 'to adjust a control back to its original state' is directly derivable from combining 'reset' (to set something back to its start) with 'dial' (a round control you turn). The expression is literal rather than idiomatic and follows a common compositional pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily understand it.

Etymology

The verb reset the dial comes from turning a real dial on a radio, clock, or machine back to its starting point. When you reset the dial you move the control back to its original position, so the phrase now means 'to restore a setting' or 'start fresh'.