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set the pace

idiom

Definition of set the pace

: to be the one that is at the front in a race and that controls how fast the other racers have to go —often used figuratively
  • The company's advanced equipment sets the pace for the recording industry.

Word by Word Definitions

set play

  1. : to cause to sit : place in or on a seat

  2. : to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them

  3. : to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator

  1. : the act or action of setting

  2. : the condition of being set

  3. : a number of things of the same kind that belong or are used together

  1. : intent, determined

  2. : intentional, premeditated

  3. : fixed by authority or appointment : prescribed, specified

See the full definition of set
pace play

  1. : rate of movement

  2. : rate of progress

  3. : an example to be emulated

  1. : to walk with often slow or measured tread

  2. : to move along : proceed

  3. : to go at a pace

  1. : contrary to the opinion of

See the full definition of pace

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