set the pace

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

set the pace (third-person singular simple present sets the pace, present participle setting the pace, simple past and past participle set the pace)

1. To establish the speed for a group to move at, for example in a race.
2. (idiomatic) To establish a common goal by example.

   In May 2003, South Africa set the pace by banning thin plastic bags and imposing a tax on thick ones.

See also

• set the tone