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
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
The narrative set the scene, the kids hanging around waiting for something to happen, and introduced the couple at the center of the story, then put them in motion before giving way to an instrumental section.
—Peter Ames Carlin, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the scene
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
The narrative set the scene, the kids hanging around waiting for something to happen, and introduced the couple at the center of the story, then put them in motion before giving way to an instrumental section.
—Peter Ames Carlin, Rolling Stone, 13 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 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share