Meaning trap

set up

frame someone

to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing by deliberately creating false evidence or circumstances.

phrasal verbC2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

frame someone

to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing by deliberately creating false evidence or circumstances.

set up (arrange or establish)

'set up' also has the more basic meaning 'arrange or establish'; this is the advanced sense.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

He claimed he was set up by his business rivals and had nothing to do with the fraud.crime
Some critics argue that the whistleblower was set up by powerful interests in order to discredit her testimony.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: set someone up (for/with something)

WrongThe gang set him for the robbery.

RightThe gang set him up for the robbery.

Don't drop 'up' — 'set someone UP' (frame them).

Patternset someone up (for/with something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He was falsely incriminated through fabricated evidence.

Natural He was set up — the evidence was planted.

'Set up' is the everyday word for being framed; 'falsely incriminated through fabricated evidence' is legalese.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

set someone up
forframedthe whole thingdeliberately

Don't confuse it

Unlike the B1 senses of 'set up' (to arrange or establish something, or to prepare equipment), this sense involves intentionally making someone appear guilty, usually of a crime, by manipulating evidence or circumstances.

set up (arrange or establish) — 'set up' also has the more basic meaning 'arrange or establish'; this is the advanced sense.

Try it in Daily Speak →