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- 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.
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.
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]