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
The city also set the scene for the first Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix last month and will continue to steal the show by hosting Super Bowl LVII in February.
—
Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2023
Verdant gardens webbed with meandering pathways set the scene for a bohemian, beachy experience, where the commitment to wellness and sustainability is a cut above, even in its impressive culinary program.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2024
Two separate unreleased songs from the Weeknd set the scene for the trippy graphics.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2024
Elegant archways, crystal chandeliers, wicker armchairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the rotunda set the scene for guests in the main dining room.
—Vivian Song, Robb Report, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the scene 
Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2023
Verdant gardens webbed with meandering pathways set the scene for a bohemian, beachy experience, where the commitment to wellness and sustainability is a cut above, even in its impressive culinary program.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2024
Two separate unreleased songs from the Weeknd set the scene for the trippy graphics.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2024
Elegant archways, crystal chandeliers, wicker armchairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the rotunda set the scene for guests in the main dining room.
—Vivian Song, Robb Report, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the scene
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set the scene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 17 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share