(dead) set against something/against doing something

Used this way, "dead set" is a linking verb or referred adjective.

He / was \dead set

Thanks.

Do you mean those who are dead set?

"Set" is used here as a verb in the sense of "fixed firmly or in an immobile manner."

"Dead" is used as an adverb meaning "absolutely."

I'd say" dead set" is an idiom

THanks.

Then what has been MADE?

makes no sense; ignore it.

A dead set. Do try to keep up.

The OP would be well advised to discard the very obsolete Fowler. That book belongs in the dustbin. It is ancient.

The quoted text comes from Fowler, in the entry for "expect".

Everybody so far has got the wrong sense of "dead set". The phrase has 2 distinct uses, the one shown is the SECOND of these:

1. Adjectival - firmly fixed, determined, not likely to change an opinion or plan. (a person is dead set on or against something)

I am dead set against going on holiday to Greece this year; he is dead set on learning to fly.

2. Noun - a determined and targeted attack (one makes a dead set against or at something) (This is rather obsolete, like the other phrase from Fowler the OP asked about)

Mr Wood and Mr Stafford made a dead set against the Commissioner of Customs

You wouldn't like it, I know, if the Bucks papers made a dead set against you & Father for being Jewish, & gave twisted motives for everything you did

One of these Hooligan crowds lately made a dead set against poor John

The Melbourne press made a dead set against me because, I am told on all sides, I am an American and Australia is frightfully jealous of Americans

To WBYeats: please start saying where you get these phrases from, or you risk annoying the people who could help you.

Sorry and thanks.

Your explanation is excellent.

By the way, I understand OP means thread starter, but what does OP stand for?

Original Poster

Possibly your best advice ever, C. And yet, you are sometimes very Fowlerian in nature.