set the stage

Meaning

Originally from theater, meaning to prepare the physical stage for a performance, this phrase is widely used metaphorically to mean preparing the conditions, environment, or context that make a future event possible, likely, or easy to happen.

Examples

• The opening band really set the stage for an incredible headline performance.

  The opening band really set the stage for an incredible headline performance.

• The diplomatic talks set the stage for a historic peace treaty between the two nations.

  The diplomatic talks set the stage for a historic peace treaty between the two nations.

• Years of intensive research set the stage for this medical breakthrough.

  Years of intensive research set the stage for this medical breakthrough.

• The dramatic music in the opening scene sets the stage for a tense thriller.

  The dramatic music in the opening scene sets the stage for a tense thriller.

• A warm, welcoming atmosphere at the office sets the stage for productive collaboration.

  A warm, welcoming atmosphere at the office sets the stage for productive collaboration.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They set the scene of the stage.

  ✓ They set the stage.

  Do not confuse 'set the scene' (describe a situation or environment) with 'set the stage' (prepare the concrete conditions for an upcoming event).

• ✗ This project will set the stage to our success.

  ✓ This project will set the stage for our success.

  The idiom is followed by the preposition 'for,' not 'to.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• The pre-conference workshops really ___ for the main event.

  💡 Prepared the conditions or atmosphere.

  Show answer

  set the stage

• This initial victory will ___ for a successful campaign.

  💡 Lay the groundwork.

  Show answer

  set the stage