set the stage
To prepare; to establish the basis or required conditions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“These small changes set the stage for our future success.”
“The manager held a brief meeting to set the stage for the upcoming project launch.”
“The sudden economic crisis set the stage for a decade of political reform and social change across the entire region.”
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all set
Ready, prepared, equipped.
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exit stage left
An orderly and uneventful departure, timed so as not to detract or distract.
- 03
game, set, match
An expression indicating finality, announcing that a series of events—usually involving some form of rivalry—has reached a conclusion.
- 04
grow a set
Synonym of grow a pair.
- 05
hold the stage
To dominate a debate or field of interest; to be the main subject of attention.
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jet set
A social class of wealthy people who travel for pleasure.
- 07
set a spell
To sit down for a period of time, especially in the company of other people and in order to relax or to engage in casual conversation.
- 08
set back
To cost money.
Last updated August 10, 2026