set the scene

phrase

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

Star Trek wasn’t heavily serialized — few shows were back then — but airing this episode first has the effect of dropping viewers into the show with little beyond William Shatner‘s opening credits narration to set the scene. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

The earthy spice shades of sasanquas and tea olive sprigs set the scene, while mums, amaranthus, and sunflowers left over from summer herald autumnal brilliance. — James T. Farmer, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2026

In 2005, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen set the scene for quiet luxury two decades before the term took over fashion. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

The three pieces come together to set the scene of a lush green forest, and since green is the color of the heart chakra, including this piece in a primary bedroom is a meaningful way to inspire loving, compassionate energy. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for set the scene

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene