Hi folks,
I’m originally from Ireland. Just got back from a couple of weeks visiting my in-laws.
We spent a bit of time in both Connecticut and Massachusetts and one of the first linguistic differences I picked up on was the phrase “you’re all set” which people seem to use to mean “we’re done.”
Examples would be:
You pick up a rental car. After finishing all the paperwork the woman at the desk said “you’re all set” and handed me the car keys.
Boarding an airplane. After showing my passport and boarding pass the gate agent said “you’re all set” (I guess to mean “that’s it. You’re free to proceed to the plane!)
Countless other examples in everyday life but those are all that come to mind at the moment.
It’s been a while since I was in the US so I was wondering:
1) Is this a relatively new thing? I don’t recall hearing it so frequently before.
2) Is this specifically a Northeastern thing, specific to states, or a turn of phrase that’s now widespread across the country?
TIA!
41 comments
It’s an extremely common saying.
In my experience, it’s extremely common across the entire country.
Quite common. Its not something I perceive as regional.
Huh. That’s so ubiquitous that it’s weird to me to even consider it as a “turn of phrase.”
I’m pretty sure it’s nationwide, and not particularly new.
I say that all day at my job. Let’s people know that…. they’re all set and can move along.
Incredibly common, and not at all new.
Typically used in those types of contexts, that mean “you have completed the required tasks in this situation and may now move on with your life”
I would say you could hear that across the whole country, yes
And not new at all
Pretty common and not new. It’s basically like saying you are good to go the transaction what ever it is about is done.
>Is “you’re all set” something that is said across the US?
Yes
>Is this a relatively new thing?
No
I am somehow surprised that this expression isn’t common in Ireland.
so common that I thought it was universal across the English language
Yes I’ve lived in the Midwest, Northeast, and South as an adult, and traveled to all parts.
Honestly, I didn’t realize it wasn’t a universal phrase in English- speaking countries.
Yes, I guess we yanks don’t think about the actual words anymore.
Apparently it originates from track and field and somehow made its way into everyday usage.
Went to Australia at 18. My friend’s grandpa asked me if I wanted another beer. I replied **“I’m all set, thanks.”** He kind of froze and just stared at me for a minute.
One guy (20+ years ago) from California told me that they don’t use there. It could be different now.
I’m in retail, northeastern US and I say “you’re all set” regularly. I don’t remember a time when people didn’t say it. I believe I have run into people from the uk who looked confused when I said it.
It’s from starting a race or competition. Someone calls out:
1. “On your mark” = everyone get lined up at the starting line
2. “Get set” = put yourself in the push off position/posture you want to start with
3. “GO!” = race begins now
Saying “you’re all set” is saying that all the preparation is complete and the next step is for you to “go!”
Yes, very common.
Very common, no one thinks about it.
Huh, never thought of that as a turn of phrase per say. I’ve lived all over the US and have heard it everywhere. In my experience it’s used in the same sorts of situations I’ve heard British or Irish folks say “sorted”.
Extremely common, not at all regional (as far as I know), and not at all new.
Interchangeable with “you’re good to go”
It’s common across the U.S.
– Cá bhfuil tú i do chónaí? 😃
I use it all the time and hear it all the time. I wouldn’t even consider it regional (although I could be wrong)
If it’s interesting to anyone, I’m from Colorado and lived in Oregon for a while. I’d hear it all the time in both places
Very common, as well as “good to go”.
Yes! I also use “you’re good to go” in the same capacity
People also commonly say ‘I’m all set’ as a reply to being asked if they need any further help or service.
Im from New England. Very common. Also “no worries” instead of you’re welcome. Also “you’re good” is in line with “you’re all set”
Retail, Midwest. I use it to politely nudge customers off my counter and out of the store. I don’t need to bear your story for the thousandth time, Roger
Welp looks like you got your answer, you’re all set
It’s extremely common, and it doesn’t so much mean “you’re done” as “the conditions necessary and sufficient for you to begin the action you desired have been met and you’re ready to go”.
Yes, very common, and also derivatives like:
– you’re all good
– all good
– good to go
You’re all good, you should be all set for your next trip!
Yes, it’s very common. I’ve had it said to me in many places (I’ve been to about 2/3 of the states in the USA).
I’ve been hearing it for a least couple of decades, perhaps more often in the last decade than the previous one. Before that I didn’t go to the USA much.
It is common in entire country.
I always tell customers they’re all set when I’m about to give them their receipt.
Common for at least my lifetime (54 yrs) across the US
I work customer service and say this a lot. Its especially common in retail to ask a customer carrying lots of products to the register. “Are you all set?”
I’ve heard this and said this often in retail and work environments.
It’s common in all over the US. It means you’ve done everything needed to move on to the next task or end the tasks.
I check in outpatients at a VA hospital in Michigan. Once I check someone in, I often tell them “You’re all set.”
I’m 31 and have heard it all over for as long as I can remember. I don’t think it’s a new thing.