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
Small tables and larger communal picnic benches set the scene for an evening of rest, relaxation and community.
—
Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
To further set the scene for the night, we were welcomed into a swank, jazz club-esque venue called The Sun Rose Room located in Hollywood’s Sun Rose Hotel.
—Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
To set the scene, the designer followed his 60-30-10 color-mixing rule with brown as the primary tone, green as the accent, and red and purple for punctuated pops.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
White flowers and candles set the scene for their engagement pictures.
—Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the scene
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Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
To further set the scene for the night, we were welcomed into a swank, jazz club-esque venue called The Sun Rose Room located in Hollywood’s Sun Rose Hotel.
—Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
To set the scene, the designer followed his 60-30-10 color-mixing rule with brown as the primary tone, green as the accent, and red and purple for punctuated pops.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
White flowers and candles set the scene for their engagement pictures.
—Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 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 4 Nov. 2025.
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