set the table

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

set the table (third-person singular simple present sets the table, present participle setting the table, simple past and past participle set the table)

woman setting the table

1. To arrange plates, etc. for a meal.

   Synonym: lay the table

   Antonym: clear the table

2. (figuratively) To make a future outcome possible.

   Synonyms: set the stage, pave the way

   • 2009, Thomas G. Segrich, The $32M Sales System for Design & Build Home Remodelers and Kitchen & Bath Professionals‎^[1]:

     The next step is to 'Set the Table' for the sale by stating your agenda. This is both a method of directing the course of the meeting, as well as a trial close

   • 2008, B. A. Marbue Brown, The Clinton Economic Boom‎^[2], page 107:

     In a very real sense, PC technology set the table for the prosperity of the nineties.

Translations

arrange plates, dishes, etc. in preparation for a meal

• Azerbaijani: süfrə açmaq
• Catalan: parar (ca)
• Chinese:

  Mandarin: please add this translation if you can

• Finnish: kattaa pöytä
• French: mettre la table (fr), mettre le couvert, dresser la table, dresser le couvert
• Galician: pór a mesa, poñer a mesa
• German: den Tisch decken
• Hungarian: megterít (hu), (asztalt) terít
• Irish: leag an bord
• Italian: apparecchiare (it), apparecchiare la tavola
• Polish: nakryć do stołu
• Russian: накры́ть стол pf (nakrýtʹ stol)
• Spanish: poner la mesa (es)
• Swedish: duka (sv)

make a future outcome possible

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: please add this translation if you can

• Finnish: pohjustaa (fi)
• Spanish: preparar el camino