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Glite Dictionary
set-to

set-to

1 8.2
A short argument or small fight that is often noisy
  • noun
  • /ˈsɛt tu/
  • UK
translation icon : pelea
  • The neighbor's shouting match turned into a set-to that everyone could hear.
  • a little set-to

So they will, you know, we've had a bit of a set to and they've all gone out of the restaurant.

Examples

  • I remember the last time he and I had a set-to.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • A heated argument broke out between the two friends, resulting in a brief set-to over their differing opinions.

  • We had quite a set-to.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • So they will, you know, we've had a bit of a set to and they've all gone out of the restaurant.

    Dodge Woodall

  • You had a set-to with Pres?

    Jezebel (1938)

  • Armand, it was a fair set-to.

    The Duellists (1977)

  • Forsythe and I had a set-to.

    Frenzy (1972)

  • They had a little set-to.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • Being the youngest, Jeb usually got himself whupped in these little set-tos, but he kept trying anyhow.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • After a minor disagreement, they quickly resolved it, but not before having a short set-to.

Synonyms

fight
vsset-to
675 2.4

A strong argument between people or groups, often public

is shorter and quicker not usually prolonged or public
dustup
vsset-to
  • Informal
5 7.2

A short angry argument between people that is not very serious

is similar but shows energy and quick action not deep hostility
words
vsset-to
  • Informal
1 6.2

A short angry argument between people

is more energetic and physical than this spoken exchange
friendly set-to
vsset-to
  • Archaic
5.9

A short, mild argument between people who are not angry

is more energetic and possibly aggressive than this mild quarrel

How Intense

fight
∞ 1.0
brawl
60 4.6
set-to
  • UK
1 8.2
argument
617 2.3
to tiff
  • Informal
6.8

Surface Forms

set-to singular
set-tos plural

Etymology

Set-to comes from an old phrase where set meant 'to begin' and people would 'set to' each other when a fight started. So a set-to is a short, energetic argument or fight.