1. Home
2. Idioms
3. set the table

set the table

---

---

set the table

to place plates, glasses, napkins, etc., on the table before a meal. (The opposite of clear the table.) Jane, would you please set the table? Fm tired of setting the table. Ask someone else to do it.

See also: set, table

set the table

to put dishes, knives, forks, and spoons on a table before a meal You make the salad and I'll set the table.

See also: set, table

set the table

Also, lay the table. Arrange a cloth, plates, glasses, silverware and the like for a meal, as in Please set the table for eight tonight. [Late 1300s]

See also: set, table