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Glite Dictionary
to set the stage

to set the stage

42 3.9
Prepare conditions that make an event or change likely
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : preparar el terreno
  • The opposition's victory set the stage for a presidential election in December 1989.
  • help set the stage
  • development sets the stage
  • introduction sets the stage

But this is setting the stage for that.

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Examples

  • The pilot program set the stage for year two by infusing greater teacher involvement.

    Academic text (1991)

  • The development section sets the stage for further learning as students apply their musical knowledge.

    Academic text (2015)

  • And this really sets the stage for a solid money plan.

    Evan Carmichael

  • So I just really, really want to make sure I set the stage for this conversation.

  • The introduction sets the stage for effective reading of the text.

    Academic text (2012)

  • So let me just set the stage a little bit before I play the clip.

  • And it sets the stage for our future conversations and engagement.

  • Moreover, research has clearly established that oral language development sets the stage for learning to read.

    Academic text (2013)

  • Facilitated dialogue can often set the stage for increasingly ambitious initiatives to address economic and environmental goals.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Rivers helped change the perception of women in comedy, setting the stage for a generation of female comics.

Synonyms

to lead up
vsto set the stage
89 4.0

To cause events that prepare for something that happens later

is about preparing conditions rather than directly starting the event
to pave the way
vsto set the stage
56 3.7

Make it possible or easier for something to happen by getting things ready

focuses on creating the conditions that allow something to happen
to set in motion
vsto set the stage
25 3.5

To make something begin to move or happen

prepares the situation rather than directly causing its start
to set the wheels in motion
vsto set the stage
  • Informal
1 4.9

Start a series of actions that lead to later changes

aims to make the situation likely rather than triggering the first action

How Prepared

to set the stage
42 3.9

Surface Forms

set the stage infinitive
set the stage past
set the stage past participle
setting the stage present participle
sets the stage third person singular

Morphology

set + the + stage

The meaning 'to prepare the necessary conditions' follows directly from combining 'set' (to prepare/make ready) with 'stage' (a setting or venue); the phrase is a straightforward metaphorical extension of literally preparing a stage. This composition is common and predictable, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Set the stage comes from the theater, where to set the stage means to put props, lights, and actors in the right places so a play can begin. So today set the stage means 'to make something possible' by preparing the right conditions for it to happen.