set the pace
phrase
: to be the one that is at the front in a race and that controls how fast the other racers have to go
—often used figuratively
The company's advanced equipment sets the pace for the recording industry.
Examples of set the pace in a Sentence
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The Valkyries set the pace early, building a 10-point lead in the first quarter and limiting the Dream’s shot attempts, as Atlanta didn’t score its first basket until a little more than three minutes into the first quarter.
—
Micahya Costen,
AJC.com,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
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Micahya Costen,
AJC.com,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
Cite this Entry
“Set the pace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20pace. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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