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
Indeed, the university set the scene for the millennial love story Normal People, where Connell and Marianne’s fraught romance was set against the backdrop of their time studying English literature and history and politics, respectively.
—
Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 19 Apr. 2024
Later in 2024, Wexford’s Hook Peninsula will set the scene for one of the country’s buzziest hotel openings, from the owners of The Dean hotels.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Jan. 2024
The Paris skyline features iconic buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Elysées, Tour Montparnasse, and Grand Palais, with surrounding gardens to set the scene.
—Kathleen Felton, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2024
The banner denotes that this is, indeed, a house for the most cunning (and sneaky) minds, with plenty of accessories and parts to set the scene for mischievous events.
—Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 20 Jan. 2024
These long, meandering stretches of stark white sand set the scene for dreamy color palettes of crystalline blues, jungle greens, and earthy clay and wood.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024
That set the scene for their dancier second LP, Where’s My Utopia?
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 Mar. 2024
Your bonus day doesn’t have to take the full day, but earmarking one day to try new things can set the scene for long-lasting changes.
—Janine MacLachlan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
Today, these same properties set the scene for contemporary adventures, from city breaks to languid vacations to momentous occasions.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2024
Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 19 Apr. 2024
Later in 2024, Wexford’s Hook Peninsula will set the scene for one of the country’s buzziest hotel openings, from the owners of The Dean hotels.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Jan. 2024
The Paris skyline features iconic buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Elysées, Tour Montparnasse, and Grand Palais, with surrounding gardens to set the scene.
—Kathleen Felton, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2024
The banner denotes that this is, indeed, a house for the most cunning (and sneaky) minds, with plenty of accessories and parts to set the scene for mischievous events.
—Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 20 Jan. 2024
These long, meandering stretches of stark white sand set the scene for dreamy color palettes of crystalline blues, jungle greens, and earthy clay and wood.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024
That set the scene for their dancier second LP, Where’s My Utopia?
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 Mar. 2024
Your bonus day doesn’t have to take the full day, but earmarking one day to try new things can set the scene for long-lasting changes.
—Janine MacLachlan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
Today, these same properties set the scene for contemporary adventures, from city breaks to languid vacations to momentous occasions.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set the scene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 29 Apr. 2024.
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