задать тон

• ЗАДАВАТЬ/ЗАДАТЬ ТОН

[VP]

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1. Also: ДАВАТЬ/ДАТЬ ТОН music [subj: human]

⇒ to sound the correct pitch (to a choir):

- X задал тон{{}}≈ X gave the pitch.

2. задать тон (кому-чему). Also: ДАВАТЬ/ДАТЬ ТОН obs [subj: human or collect; more often impfv]

⇒ to establish the mood, atmosphere, mode of behavior etc (that is imitated, followed by some person or group of people, or that is accepted, conformed to in some place, organization etc):

- X задаёт тон{{}}≈ X sets the tone <the mood>.

     ♦ ...Все это ленинское нищенствование - игра, партийная линия, чтоб задавать тон, служить примером, "вождь без упрёка" (Солженицын 5)... This parade of poverty on Lenin's part was a game, the party line, intended to set the tone and provide an example of a "leader beyond reproach" (5a).

3. obs [subj: human; impfv only]

⇒ to act self-importantly, arrogantly:

- X задает тон{{}}≈ X puts on airs;

- X walks around with his nose in the air.

     ♦ "...[Леницын] заважничал. Тон задаёт" (Гоголь 3). "...[Lenitzin] is making himself important. Putting on airs" (3b).