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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The high-profile meeting has set the scene for an annual Central Economic Work Conference, reportedly due to take place between Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 Visit These Hotels for the Holidays Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona Red rocks and pinyon pines set the scene for a packed winter itinerary at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star desert beauty. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 The swanky Flatiron fried chicken restaurant set the scene for the creative director and luxury online retailer to celebrate the launch of their third exclusive capsule collection, released earlier in the day. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024 That set the scene for the birth of a new field of science – radio astronomy. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 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 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!