dead set against
Definition: Unutterably opposed. This Americanism probably comes from industry, where a machine is said to be dead set when it is fastened so that it cannot be made to move.
Origin: The transfer to firm resolve or hostility against some person, course of action, and so on, was made by the early nineteenth century. “A dead set is to be made from various quarters against the abominable innovation of publishing Divisions by authority” (General P. Thompson, 1836).
Related Terms:
- Adamant: Refusing to be persuaded or change one’s mind.
- Implacable: Unappeasably opposed or determined.
- Inflexible: Not willing to change one’s ideas or beliefs.
Synonyms:
- resolutely opposed
- unyielding
- intransigently against
Antonyms:
- amenable
- agreeable
- open-minded
Fun Quotations:
- “Are you dead set against it?” asked Tim, as he tied the knot on his shoes. “No, I’m just sleeping!” replied Jimmy, sprawled comfortably on the couch.
- “He was dead set against cats,” Jane muttered as Fluffy jumped onto the counter and knocked over an antique—proving some stances might need reconsideration.
Proverbs:
- “Stubborn as a mule” - Firmly and obstinately stuck in one’s beliefs or course of action.
- “Give ’em an inch, they’ll take a mile” - A lenient stance might encourage excessive demands.
Literary and Media References:
- Movie: “You Can’t Take It With You” (1938) - On rigid opposition to change in family and business.
- Book: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Many characters are dead set against accepting views counter to their own.
- Song: “My Way” by Frank Sinatra – An anthem about sticking resolutely to one’s path.
Inspirational Farewell:
“May your resolutions be as firm as steel, but your heart as light as a feather. Keep marching ahead, but remember to look around—you might just find something wonderful in the unexpected!” — A. Learneverse
### Which of these phrases means to be firmly opposed to something?
- [x] Dead set against
- [ ] Honey-primed for change
- [ ] Riding the wave
- [ ] Open arm acceptance
> **Explanation:** "Dead set against" is an idiom meaning to be firmly opposed to something. The others either don't exist or have the opposite meaning.
### Identify the genuine idiom related to steadfastness:
- [ ] Floating in indecision
- [x] Stubborn as a mule
- [ ] Flexibly inflexible
- [ ] Dancing with conviction
> **Explanation:** "Stubborn as a mule" is a common phrase indicating someone is very stubborn. The others are humorous fabrications.
### True or False: "Dead set against" indicates an open and flexible attitude.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Dead set against" means being firmly opposed to something, not flexible or open.
