His death set in motion a train of events that led to the outbreak of war.

他的死引发了一系列的事件，从而导致了战争的爆发。

《牛津词典》

The current chain of events was set in motion by that kidnapping.

目前的一系列事件都是由那次绑架引发的。

《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》

The condition is caused by extremely cold foods or beverages that touch the roof of the mouth and set in motion a chain of events.

这种情况产生于非常冷的食物或者饮料接触到口的底部和产生一系列的反应。

youdao

Leon's phone call sets in motion a series of events that show David how, rather than being protected from the fears and anxieties of his daily existence by a prestigious City job, multiple maids and secretaries, and a peerless spouse, he has placed himself in a moneyed cocoon as insulating as a padded cell.

ECONOMIST: New fiction

In the normal course of events, the motion would be nodded through in the dead of night - but not this time.

BBC: Tory manoeuvrings

Each injury caused by a firearm sets in motion a prolonged series of events.

FORBES: How Guns And Violence Cost Every American $564 In 2010