The phrase "set off against" refers to the act of counterbalancing or compensating for something by offsetting it with an opposing force, action, or item. It involves comparing two opposing elements or qualities and effectively measuring or contrasting their impact on each other. This term is often used in various contexts such as accounting, law, and negotiations.
In accounting, "set off against" relates to the process of reducing or canceling out the value of one item by subtracting or deducting the value of another. This is commonly seen when offsetting debits and credits in an account to determine the net balance. It aims to find an equilibrium by taking into account the conflicting values.
In the legal realm, "set off against" refers to the process of using a claim or demand against a person or entity to counterbalance or reduce the amount they owe. For instance, if someone owes a certain amount of money to another party, the debtor may assert a legitimate claim or debt against the creditor to decrease the overall liability.
In negotiations, "set off against" implies using certain advantages or concessions as a bargaining tool to counter the demands or advantages of the opposing party. By offering or presenting alternatives, one side can set off or counterbalance the impact of the other party's requests, resulting in a more balanced and favorable outcome.
Overall, "set off against" denotes a method of offsetting, counteracting, or compensating for a particular element, value, or claim, thereby achieving a more equitable or balanced result.
