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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.

See Examples For:

Explain Bivens doctrine now, to set the table for what follows.

From Slate Jan. 26, 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

Does Hackford think “La Bamba” helped set the table for subsequent Latino pop star success?

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 2, 2025

“Dune: Prophecy,” a prequel based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s “Great Schools of Dune” trilogy, has about six hours to set the table and whet our appetite.

From Salon Nov. 17, 2024

Heather is going to set the table and hang the banner.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

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