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
Willy Chavarria and Byredo Fêted the Designer’s Big Win
On Monday night, Jean’s Lafayette set the scene for Willy Chavarria’s victory lap: winning the CFDA’s 2024 Menswear Designer of the Year Award.
—
Freya Drohan, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2024
These five dining room paint colors will help set the scene for your happiest dinner occasions.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024
Using tucked-head, sleeping decoys helps set the scene.
—Joe Arterburn, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lee Jung-jae shared a few spoiler-free hints to set the scene for the awaited second season of Squid Game.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the scene 
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Freya Drohan, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2024
These five dining room paint colors will help set the scene for your happiest dinner occasions.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024
Using tucked-head, sleeping decoys helps set the scene.
—Joe Arterburn, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lee Jung-jae shared a few spoiler-free hints to set the scene for the awaited second season of Squid Game.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 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 18 Jan. 2025.
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