set the table

English

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)

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

   Synonym: lay the table

2. (figuratively) To make a future outcome possible.
   • (Can we date this quote?), 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

Translations

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

• Azerbaijani: süfrə açmaq
• 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
• German: den Tisch decken
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Italian: apparecchiare la tavola
• Polish: nakryć do stołu
• Russian: накры́ть стол pf (nakrýtʹ stol)
• Spanish: poner la mesa
• Swedish: duka (sv)

make a future outcome possible

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: please add this translation if you can

• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Finnish: pohjustaa (fi)
• Spanish: preparar el camino