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set the table

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌsɛt ðə ˈteɪbəl/ · UK /ˌset ðə ˈteɪbəl/

set the table means: To put plates, knives, forks, and other things on a table before a meal.

verb

PREPARE FOR MEALA2

To put plates, knives, forks, and other things on a table before a meal.

  • Can you set the table?
  • We set the table before our guests arrived.
  • She is setting the table for six people.

How to use it: set the table for someone/something (I set the table for dinner.)

Similar words: lay the table

Opposites: clear the table

Common phrases: set the table nicely, set the table outside

PREPARE CONDITIONSC1

To create conditions that help something happen later.

  • These talks set the table for peace.
  • Her early research set the table for later discoveries.
  • A strong opening can set the table for a successful campaign.

How to use it: set the table for something (The talks set the table for a final agreement.)

Similar words: set the stage, pave the way, lay the groundwork

Common phrases: set the table well, set the table first

Questions about set the table

What does set the table mean?

To put plates, knives, forks, and other things on a table before a meal.

What is set the table in other languages?

Türkçe: sofrayı kurmak · Español: poner la mesa · Français: mettre la table · Deutsch: den Tisch decken · Italiano: apparecchiare la tavola · 日本語: 食卓を整える

How do you pronounce set the table?

In American English /ˌsɛt ðə ˈteɪbəl/; in British English /ˌset ðə ˈteɪbəl/.

How do you use set the table in a sentence?

Can you set the table? We set the table before our guests arrived.

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set the table in other languages

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