Setting off on a road trip B1
Loading the car, beating the traffic, and finally hitting the road.
set out — to start a journeyA: What time are you setting out for the airport?
B: Around 6 a.m., just to be safe.
set off for — to start a journey to a placeA: What time are you leaving tomorrow?
B: We're setting off for the airport at 6 a.m.
Beating the traffic
A: Right, if we set out by six we'll miss the worst of it.
B: Six? Blimey. I'll set an alarm.
A: Trust me, leave it any later and the motorway's a car park.
B: Fair enough. Six it is, then.
Last-minute faff
A: Have you packed the cool box? We want to set off for the coast soon.
B: It's in the boot. I just need a wee and then I'm ready.
A: Go on then, be quick. I want to set out before the school run starts.
B: Two minutes, honestly. I'll grab the flask on the way out.