set the scene/stage
also the scene/stage is setused to mean that conditions have been made right for something to happen, or that something is likely to happen:
This weekend's talks between the two leaders have set the scene for a peace agreement to be reached.
The stage looks set for a repeat of last year's final.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Preparing
- batten
- batten down the hatches idiom
- break sb in
- build-up
- calibrate
- draw
- forewarn
- gear
- gird
- gird yourself idiom
- groundwork
- homework
- lay the basis/foundations for sth idiom
- preparation
- roll
- steel
- suit
- suit up
- work (yourself) up to sth
- work your way around to sth idiom
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