set something back

Từ điển tiếng Anh - Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary

▪ I. set sth back phrasal verb before or after object [ setting sth back sets sth back ]
to reduce something to a weaker or less advanced state
• This result has set back their chances of winning the competition.
See also setback
Thesaurus⁺: ↑Preventing and impeding ↑Limiting and restricting
Main entry: set_{phrasal verb}
 
▪ II. set sth/sb back phrasal verb before or after object [ setting sth/sb back sets sth/sb back ]
to delay an event, process or person
• The opening of the new swimming pool has been set back by a few weeks.
• A war would inevitably set back the process of reform.
See also setback
Thesaurus⁺: ↑Delaying and wasting time
Main entry: set_{phrasal verb}