A simple substitution: abc
Remember that set returns the new value of the variable: X: def Y: def
Note the curly braces: [set x "This is a string within quotes within braces"]
def
See how the set is executed: This is a string within braces within quotes
$x is: This is a string within braces within quotes
Note the \ escapes the bracket:
$b is: [set y {This is a string within braces within quotes}]
$y is: def