set the table

set the table

To place and arrange things to be used while eating a meal, such as plates, utensils, glasses, napkins, etc. Janie, would you please set the table? We'll be ready to eat shortly.See also: set, table

set the table

to place plates, glasses, napkins, etc., on the table before a meal. (The opposite of clear the table.) Jane, would you please set the table? Fm tired of setting the table. Ask someone else to do it.See also: set, table

set the table

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] See also: set, table