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
Following an opening montage that highlighted some apparent similarities between the lives of its two main characters, Episode 1 of Task set the scene for an inevitable showdown between the pair.
—
Megan McCluskey, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
Recreations of the Tribal Council fire pit and voting confessional booth set the scene.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The trailer begins with a shot of JB picking up a newspaper outside of his home to set the scene.
—Katherine Schaffstall, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
Ditching the traditional lobby, arrival happens on the seventh floor, where panoramic views set the scene and a warm team offers tips on where to head next.
—Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the scene
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Megan McCluskey, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
Recreations of the Tribal Council fire pit and voting confessional booth set the scene.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The trailer begins with a shot of JB picking up a newspaper outside of his home to set the scene.
—Katherine Schaffstall, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
Ditching the traditional lobby, arrival happens on the seventh floor, where panoramic views set the scene and a warm team offers tips on where to head next.
—Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 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 14 Sep. 2025.
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