set something up phrasal verbphr v [intransitiveI, transitiveT]1COMMERCEto start a company, organization, committee etcThe bank is hopeful of setting up a branch office in Shanghai soon.
Better promotion of the the area is intended to make it more attractive to firms setting up.
2set up shop/in business informalCOMMERCE to begin operating a businessThere are many tax advantages that encourage foreign banks to set up shop here.
He would prefer to set up in business as an independent financial adviser.
3to make all the arrangements so that something can happen, such as a meeting, event, or a system for doing somethingSeveral companies set up 24-hour telephone hotlines to deal with enquiries.
He recently set up a stress-management class that was attended by about 60 workers.
→ see also set-up → set