set the stage for (something)

if you set the stage for something, you make it possible or likely to happen.

The purpose of that first meeting was to set the stage for future co-operation between Russia and the USA.

• put shoulder to the wheel
• put someone at odds with
• put someone at odds with someone
• put someone back on track
• put someone in a hole
• put someone in mind of
• put someone in mind of someone
• put someone in mind of something
• put someone in place
• put someone in their place
• put someone in the picture
• put someone in the shade
• put someone off stride
• put someone off their stride
• put someone off the scent
• put someone on a collision course
• put someone on a pedestal
• put someone on edge
• put someone on the map
• put someone on the right track
• put someone on the shelf
• put someone on the spot
• put someone out of action
• put someone out of its misery
• put someone out of mind