all set
Meaning
Completely ready or prepared; everything is arranged and you can start. It can also mean “no, thanks” when politely declining an offer.
Origin
From the older sense of “set” meaning fixed, arranged, or put in position. “All set” came to mean everything is in place, hence ready to proceed; later it also developed the polite refusal sense.
Notes
Casual, conversational. Often upbeat (“ready to go”). In offers (food/help), it commonly means a polite “no, thanks,” so context/intonation matters.
Examples
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We’re all set for the meeting—slides are uploaded and everyone’s here.
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Are you all set, or do you need a few more minutes?
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I thought I needed help, but I’m all set now.
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Thanks, but I’m all set—I already ate.
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Once you sign the form, you’re all set to start work.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used predicatively: “I’m/We’re all set,” “Are you all set?” Also with infinitive: “all set to + verb.” Not typically used as a noun phrase (*“an all set”).
Synonyms
- ready
- prepared
- good to go
- ready to roll
- all ready
Antonyms
- not ready
- unprepared
- unfinished