SETBACK
NOUNS
► BACK-JAR a setback in health or circumstances → 1875 Sc.
► BACKSET a setback → 1816 Amer. dial.
► BODY BLOW a serious, but not decisive, setback or defect → 1981 Aust. colloq. (Bk.)
► DUNT a sudden shock or setback; an acute disappointment → 1811 Sc.
► KICK IN THE PANTS, A a grave or humbling setback; an expression of severe criticism or disapproval → 1933
► KICK IN THE TEETH, A a grave or humbling setback; an expression of severe criticism or disapproval → 1972
► KNOCK a setback → 1649
► LICKING a reversal or disappointment; defeat or setback → c1800 colloq.
► OFFSET a hindrance, delay; a setback, anything that causes delay; an illness; the time wasted by any hindrance → 1865 Sc.
► ONE UP AGAINST YOUR DUCKHOUSE a setback → 1999 Aust. sl. (Bk.)
► PULL-BACK a setback, a reverse → 1833 Amer.
► PUT-BACK something that puts back the advancement or performance of a plan or activity; a setback → a1697
► SMACKDOWN a decisive or humiliating defeat or setback → US colloq.
► SMACK IN THE EYE, A a sharp rebuff; a setback → colloq.
PHRASES
► THAT’S ONE UP AGAINST YOUR DUCKHOUSE said of a setback or problem → 1930s Aust. sl.
► THAT’S ONE UP AGAINST YOUR FOWLHOUSE said of a setback or problem → 1930s Aust. sl.
VERBS
► COME A CROPPER to have a setback; to fail badly → 1874 sl.
► GET ONE’S LUMPS to accept and deal with one’s problems and setbacks → 1930s sl., orig. US
► TAKE A KNOCK to suffer a setback → 1649
Lexicophilia 