set something in motion

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   to start a process or plan so that it begins to happen and cannot easily be stopped.

   Grammar: The object goes between 'set' and 'in motion': set the process in motion, set it in motion.

   Patterns

   • set something in motion
   • set the wheels in motion

   The committee's vote set the reform process in motion.

   Once you sign the contract, you have set the whole project in motion.

   Her single phone call set in motion a chain of events no one could control.

2. 2phraseidiomtechnical

   to make a machine or physical object begin to move or operate.

   Grammar: Used with objects that can literally move, such as wheels or machinery.

   Patterns

   • set something in motion
   • set the wheels in motion

   Pressing the red button sets the conveyor belt in motion.

   The engineer set the heavy gears in motion with a single lever.

Common combinations

set the wheels in motion

They set the wheels in motion for a full investigation.

set in motion a series of events

The decision set in motion a series of events that changed the company.

already in motion

By the time we heard the news, the changes were already in motion.

put something in motion

The new manager put the restructuring plan in motion.

Synonyms and how they differ

initiate

More formal and used mainly with processes or policies; it does not suggest that the thing keeps moving by itself.

launch

Often used for products, campaigns or attacks, and stresses the first public moment rather than the ongoing process.

get the ball rolling

Informal and friendlier; it means to make a start, not necessarily to start something unstoppable.

Opposites

Word family

in motion phrase

moving or operating, as in 'The train was already in motion.'

Commonly confused: set something in motion or set in?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “set something in motion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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