set the scene

Từ điển tiếng Anh - Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary

▪ I. set the scene idiom
1. to describe a situation where something is about to happen
• First, let's set the scene - it was a dark, wet night with a strong wind blowing.
Thesaurus⁺: ↑Defining and explaining
2. to make something possible or likely to happen
• His resignation set the scene for a pre-election crisis.
Thesaurus⁺: ↑Helping and co-operating
Main entry: scene_idiom
 
▪ II. set the scene/stage idiom ( also the scene/stage is set )
used to mean that conditions have been made right for something to happen, or that something is likely to happen
• This weekend's talks between the two leaders have set the scene for a peace agreement to be reached.
• The stage looks set for a repeat of last year's final.
Thesaurus⁺: ↑Preparing
Main entry: set_idiom