set the table

Idioms

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.

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

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

“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

Mom made it, and Dad set the table, which was usually my job.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023