set the stage for
US /sɛt ðə steɪdʒ fɔr/
UK /sɛt ðə steɪdʒ fɔr/

1.
为...奠定基础, 为...创造条件
to create the conditions for something to happen or to make something possible
:
•
The early experiments set the stage for major breakthroughs in medicine.
早期的实验为医学上的重大突破奠定了基础。
•
His resignation set the stage for a leadership battle.
他的辞职为一场领导权之争埋下了伏笔。