Set the Table

Also: Lay the table

Meaning of Idiom ‘Set the Table’

To set the table means to get the dining table ready for a meal, as by laying out plates, silverware, glasses, etc. in the proper arrangement for eating;

In baseball, to set the table means to get on base through any means necessary so that other hitters can score you into home base.

Examples Of Use

“Could you set the table? Dinner is almost ready.”

“It’s your turn to set the table. I did it last time.”

“The table needs to be set for one extra tonight. Jane is coming over for dinner.”

“He set the table for the power hitter to hit a grand slam.”

Origin

Used (original meaning) since the late 1300s.