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set the pattern
idiom
: to create an example which is followed by others
The book set the pattern for detective fiction.
Examples of set the pattern in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The link between sickle cell and a forcibly disadvantaged group set the pattern for how U.S. society would respond to the disease.
—Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024
The blood contamination scandal set the pattern for future infectious disease crises: rumors of an epidemic, attempts at a cover-up, an exposé by a medical whistleblower, followed by an official admission of the problem and draconian containment measures to mitigate the damage.
—Robert Peckham, Foreign Affairs, 27 Mar. 2020
The Ford deal could set the pattern for agreements with the other two automakers, where workers will remain on strike.
—Tom Krisher, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2023
The Writers Guild of Canada has applauded its sister organization Writers Guild of America’s tentative deal with major Hollywood studios and streamers, which could set the pattern for upcoming Canadian writer-producer contract renewal talks.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Sep. 2023
Some signs of movement in the negotiations have emerged, raising the possibility, Masters said, that an agreement might be reached with one automaker that would set the pattern for the others.
—Tom Krisher, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2023
In 2008, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers got a deal with the Directors Guild of America, which set the pattern for the deal that ended the writers strike after 100 days.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 1 June 2023
The deal reached with the American Guild of Musical Artists is likely to set the pattern for the amount of cost savings with other unions.
—New York Times, 13 July 2021
That set the pattern for the day.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2022
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Dictionary Entries Near set the pattern
Cite this Entry
“Set the pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20pattern. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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