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Definitions

set up shop

VERB
open
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commence convene inaugurate initiate launch meet start
STRONG
bow embark jump sit
WEAK
begin business get things rolling kick off raise the curtain ring in set in motion start the ball rolling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
adjourn cancel cease close complete conclude end finish ignore stop
WEAK
block bury cover exclude hide hinder shut

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 2020, India's National Education Policy announced that foreign universities would be allowed in the country and rules were notified in 2023, creating a legal mechanism for these institutions to set up shop.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Local entrepreneurs were given grants and support from the city and charities, as well as months of free rent to set up shop.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

Polymarket set up shop in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

When he released “Harry’s House,” he set up shop in several U.S. cities for extended runs: 15 nights in New York City, a dozen in Los Angeles and six in both Austin and Chicago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

Swift arrived in Chicago in 1875 and set up shop.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield