set someone/thing back 1. delay or impede the progress of someone or something 推迟; 阻碍: this incident undoubtedly set back research. 这一事件无疑阻碍了研究。 2. informal (of a purchase) cost someone a particular amount of money 〈非正式〉(购买)使花费: that must have set you back a bit. 那一定让你花费了不少吧。 |