set the scene
idiom
1
: to give someone information that is needed to understand something
Before I tell the story, let me set the scene (for you).
2
: to create the conditions in which something can happen
His comments set the scene for an argument.
Examples of set the scene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Harris certainly took advantage of the official White House backdrop to set the scene.
—
Cate Martel, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
Perched overlooking Kezar Lake, the resort's 42 cottages set the scene for an all-inclusive getaway in Western Maine.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2024
The context of a haunted ship will be used by the AI to set the scene.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Though the events of Menendez story take place several years after Milli Vanilli’s reign, the duo’s music is used to help set the scene and explore the two brothers’ friendship.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the scene 
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Cate Martel, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
Perched overlooking Kezar Lake, the resort's 42 cottages set the scene for an all-inclusive getaway in Western Maine.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2024
The context of a haunted ship will be used by the AI to set the scene.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Though the events of Menendez story take place several years after Milli Vanilli’s reign, the duo’s music is used to help set the scene and explore the two brothers’ friendship.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the scene
Dictionary Entries Near set the scene
Cite this Entry
“Set the scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20scene. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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