offset something—
1. counterbalance smth.:
- More had to be shifted to the opposite side of the plane to offset the weight of just two passengers.
2. compensate for smth.; neutralize smth.:
- Grants to public post-secondary institutions should be increased to offset the effect of inflation.
set something off—
1. cause smth. to explode:
- When they set the fireworks off, the guards ran out to see what was making that noise.
2. give rise to smth.; start smth. happening (especially unintentionally):
- Labor leaders also warned such a move could set off violence.
3. show smth. to advantage by providing a suitable background:
- This new blue dress sets off the color of Mary’s eyes.
4. = offset something 2:
- At least there are good restaurants to set off the disadvantages of the weather.