diff --git a/src/build/property.py b/src/build/property.py
index 0c3ac44cf..4d1b192c5 100644
--- a/src/build/property.py
+++ b/src/build/property.py
@@ -198,6 +198,9 @@ reset ()
 
 def set_abbreviated_paths(on=True):
     global __abbreviated_paths
+    if on == 'off':
+        on = False
+    on = bool(on)
     __abbreviated_paths = on