Among the many words common to phrasal verbs is the word Set.
There are three main phrasal verbs that use this word: set in, set out, and set off. This post explains what each of these phrases means and how each is used.
Set
Set in: This phrase means, quite simply, to begin. It usually refers to a negative feeling or even a disease. Here are a couple of examples:
As soon as frostbite sets in, we don’t have much time to get him to a hospital.
In this example, frostbite refers to skin damage that results when it is exposed to extreme cold.
I think fatigue has set in. I don’t have any energy left.
Set out: This phrase can mean to start trying to do something or it can mean arrange or display things somewhere. Here are a couple of examples:
She set out the clothes she wanted to wear the next day.
He finally achieved the goal that he set out to accomplish last year.
Set off: This phrase most commonly means “to detonate an explosive.” It can also mean “to arouse one’s temper” or “make someone angry.” Here are a couple of examples:
The man set off the bomb in the airport.
When Jim’s character was attacked in front of his family, it really set him off.
Here are other examples of how these phrases are used:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/25/airliner.firecrackers/index.html
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/set+out.html
http://dcist.com/2010/02/either_cabin_fever_has_set_in_or_th.php
(see title)
Cabin fever is a condition of becoming restless as a result of staying inside for an extended period of time. The author is saying that cabin fever is causing him to find the article funny, something he would not normally find funny.
