set the tone (for (something))

to establish a particular mood or character for something.

The governor's speech was intended to set the tone for the party's national convention next week.

Usage notes: sometimes used with an adjective before tone:

The announcement of last month's sales figures set an optimistic tone for the meeting.

• make mincemeat of
• make mincemeat of someone
• make mincemeat of something
• make mincemeat out of
• make mincemeat out of someone
• make mincemeat out of something
• make mouth water
• make move
• make much of
• make much of something
• make my day
• make no apologies
• make no bones about
• make no bones about something
• make noises
• make noises about
• make noises about something
• make no mistake
• make no mistake about it
• make no move
• make-or-break
• make or break
• make or break something
• make out a case for
• make out a case for doing something