set the stage

idiom

The phrase "set the stage" originates from theater, where it means preparing the physical stage for a performance. It is now widely used to describe preparing for any event or situation.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)To prepare the necessary conditions for something to happen.

Example

The initial meeting set the stage for a successful partnership.

B2Performance

(idiomatic)To arrange the preliminary steps or background for an event or action.

Example

The director set the stage for the play by explaining the historical context.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "set the stage":

stage set stage right special stage hold the stage stage left center stage set up set about set on set to set the table set by set the pace set forward set out one's stall set fair set out exit stage left all set tee up set forth step up set piece set against