set a precedent

idiom

: to decide something that will be used as an example or rule to be followed in the future
The ruling in the case is likely to set a precedent for how future cases are decided.

Examples of set a precedent in a Sentence

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The case could set a precedent for how the U.S. addresses foreign ownership of digital platforms while balancing national security and free market principles. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 This collaboration not only brought the perpetrators to justice but also set a precedent for future cross-border cybercrime investigations. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 The departure of a cornerstone like Uniswap could set a precedent, encouraging other high-volume projects to explore alternatives. Jemma Green, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 While this proposal and others have stagnated, Murtha believes the interest in the concept is still percolating — especially since the European Union set a precedent by introducing its own carbon border adjustment mechanism last fall. Evan Clark, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for set a precedent 

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Cite this Entry

“Set a precedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20a%20precedent. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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