set the scene

US /set ðə siːn/

UK /set ðə siːn/

1.

to describe the situation or background in which something happens

:

•

Before we discuss the details, let me set the scene for you.

•

The opening chapter of the novel does a great job of setting the scene.

:

establish the context provide the background paint a picture lay the groundwork

:

scene be on the scene scene-shifting behind the scenes setting set set-to