set the table

set the table (third-person singular simple present sets the table, present participle setting the table, simple past and past participle set the table)

To arrange plates, etc. for a meal.
Synonym: lay the table

Antonym: clear the table
(figuratively) To make a future outcome possible.
Synonyms: set the stage, pave the way
- 2009, Thomas G. Segrich, The $32M Sales System for Design & Build Home Remodelers and Kitchen & Bath Professionals‎:
  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
- 2008, B. A. Marbue Brown, The Clinton Economic Boom‎, page 107:
  In a very real sense, PC technology set the table for the prosperity of the nineties.

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

Azerbaijani: süfrə açmaq
Catalan: parar (ca)
Chinese:
Mandarin: please add this translation if you can
Dutch: de tafel dekken
Finnish: kattaa pöytä
French: mettre la table (fr), mettre le couvert, dresser la table, dresser le couvert
Galician: pór a mesa, poñer a mesa
German: den Tisch decken
Hungarian: megterít (hu), (asztalt) terít
Irish: leag an bord
Italian: apparecchiare (it), apparecchiare la tavola
Polish: nakrywać do stołu impf, nakryć do stołu pf
Russian: накры́ть стол pf (nakrýtʹ stol)
Slovak: prestrieť stôl pf
Spanish: poner la mesa (es), tender la mesa
Swahili: tandika meza
Swedish: duka (sv)

make a future outcome possible

English