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set the table

Idioms  
  1. Also, lay the table. Arrange a cloth, plates, glasses, silverware and the like for a meal, as in Please set the table for eight tonight. [Late 1300s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Mary Harris: Let’s set the table for folks, if we can.

From Slate Jun. 11, 2026

It could help set the table for Carney to say the "private sector says they want a deal. What can we do?" said Mr Sands.

From BBC Nov. 25, 2025

Hortiz set the table for his successful debut season as an NFL general manager by acing his first draft and hopes to follow up with an equally impressive encore this week.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 23, 2025

"Each week, we set the table for a discussion about Joy of Cooking recipes and history, kitchen victories and misadventures, and, most important, what we are cooking and eating," they write.

From Salon Oct. 24, 2024

I set the table as Mom ties her hair back and takes the plates from Dad.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven

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