set (something) aside

set (something) aside

1. Literally, to put something to the side or out of the way. Would you mind setting those books aside so I can clean the desk? Please set your phone aside while I'm talking to you!2. To temporarily stop focusing on or paying attention to something. Set the financial aspects aside for a moment and focus on what kind of work would make you the happiest. Can you two just set aside your differences for now and get this done, please?3. To reserve or save something for someone or for a later use. I can set the dress aside for you, if you'd like to think about it for a day. I recommend you set aside your bonus as a rainy-day fund for the future.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 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 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