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.

• be half-dead
• be half the battle
• be half the battle won
• be half the dancer used to be
• be half the [dancer/writer etc.] used to be
• be half the [dancer/writer etc.] you used to be
• be half the dancer you used to be
• be half the writer used to be
• be half the writer you used to be
• be hanging over
• be hanging over you
• be happy to see the back of
• be happy to see the back of someone
• be happy to see the back of something
• be hard pressed
• be hard put
• be hard put to do something
• be hard up
• be heading for a fall
• be head over heels
• be head over heels in love
• be heavy-footed
• be heavy going
• be hell-bent on
• be hell-bent on doing something