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
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Favorite collections: Dior, Willy Chavarria and Dries Van Noten
Best show format: Ami set the scene at the top location of Place des Victoires, with the looming storm casting a dramatic light on the bronze equestrian statue of Louis XIV in all its glory.
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Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
The Ampere executive set the scene by showing how the European content business has benefitted from the U.S. studios widening their production bases and streamers setting up shop in several parts of the continent, resulting in orders for thousands of hours of first-run programming.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 9 June 2025
This set the scene for the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition.
—Jenny Hall, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
The Black Wolf Door Knocker, Ghostly Carriage Wall Decor, and Black Halloween Dress Candle will set the scene for a gothic, old-timey Halloween.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
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Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
The Ampere executive set the scene by showing how the European content business has benefitted from the U.S. studios widening their production bases and streamers setting up shop in several parts of the continent, resulting in orders for thousands of hours of first-run programming.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 9 June 2025
This set the scene for the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition.
—Jenny Hall, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
The Black Wolf Door Knocker, Ghostly Carriage Wall Decor, and Black Halloween Dress Candle will set the scene for a gothic, old-timey Halloween.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 6 Jul. 2025.
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