set back phr v [T] 1 [ set sb/sth ↔ back] to delay something 使推迟，使延缓，使耽搁: The accident could set back the Russian space programme by several months. 这宗事故可能会使俄罗斯的太空计划耽误几个月。 2 [ set sb back] to cost someone a lot of money 使花费〔很多钱〕: Dinner set us back $300. 这餐饭花了我们 300 美元。