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

Inside, glass swing doors and plush velvet sofas set the scene. — Megan Wilkes, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Varying shades of blue, natural materials, and historic touches set the scene for a home-away-from-home stay. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

The three-bedroom is surrounded by scenic bulrushes, plus there’s a large swimming pool with sun loungers and an outdoor shower to set the scene for serene summer living. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Three traditional Chinese flower-and-bird paintings, ancient ceramic fragments depicting the magnolia, and works by a local paper flower maker helped set the scene. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

Rhymes for set the scene

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