Help center

Phrasal verbs "piss off" vs "set off"

Differences between piss off and set off

Piss off is a slang phrasal verb that means to make someone angry or annoyed, while set off means to start a journey or trip.

Meanings and Definitions: piss off vs set off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Piss off

  • 1To make someone angry or annoyed.

    It really pisses me off when you talk like that.

  • 2To annoy or anger someone.

    ‘Can I borrow £20?’ ‘Piss off!’

Set off

  • 1Explode a bomb.

    Terrorists SET OFF a car bomb in the city centre last night. Fortunately, no - one was hurt or killed.

  • 2Ring an alarm.

    The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.

  • 3Start a journey.

    We SET OFF for work at seven - thirty.

  • 4Counterbalance a debt.

    The company SET OFF its overseas debts against it profits at home.

  • 5Provide a visual contrast that looks good.

    The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.

  • 6Cause, trigger events.

    The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.

Usage Examples: piss off, set off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

piss off

Example

Your constant complaining is starting to piss me off.

Example

His rude behavior pisses off everyone around him.

set off

Example

We set off for our vacation early in the morning.

Example

She sets off for work at 7:30 every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Piss off

annoy

To cause someone to feel slightly angry or irritated.

Example

Her constant talking during the movie started to annoy the other viewers.

get on someone's nerves

To irritate or bother someone repeatedly.

Example

His constant humming was starting to get on my nerves.

rub someone the wrong way

To irritate or annoy someone by doing something that they find unpleasant or offensive.

Example

His sarcastic comments always rubbed her the wrong way.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set off

embark on

To begin a journey or trip.

Example

We embarked on a road trip across the country last summer.

start out

To begin a journey or task.

Example

We started out early in the morning to avoid traffic on our way to the airport.

take off

To begin a flight or journey.

Example

Our plane took off on time despite the bad weather conditions.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “piss”

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in piss off vs set off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: piss off or set off?

In daily conversation, people use set off more often than piss off. This is because set off is used for more common activities like traveling or starting a task. Piss off is considered a rude expression and is not used as much in polite conversations. So, while both phrases are used, set off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of piss off and set off

Set off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal settings. On the other hand, piss off is an informal and impolite expression that should be avoided in formal situations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of piss off and set off

The tone of piss off and set off can differ based on context. Piss off often carries a negative or confrontational tone when someone is intentionally trying to make another person angry or annoyed. In contrast, set off typically has a positive and exciting tone, especially when referring to starting a journey or trip.

piss off & set off: Synonyms and Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!