dead set
A fixed or stationary condition arising from obstacle or hindrance; a deadlock.
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A fixed or stationary condition arising from obstacle or hindrance; a deadlock.
to be at a dead set
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(hunting) The rigid pose a hunting dog assumes when pointing out game to a hunter.
The judge at the dog show took points off the Irish setter's dead set because its right ear twitched a few times.
Dead set means: The rigid pose a hunting dog assumes when pointing out game to a hunter.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
dead set means: The rigid pose a hunting dog assumes when pointing out game to a hunter.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
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(figuratively, by extension) A determined effort.
I might not graduate first in my class, but I'll make a dead set at it.
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Other words near "dead set" (D)
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