set the tone

set the tone

To establish the mood of something, or the manner in which something will be conducted. Her warm greeting really set the tone for the dinner party, which was one of the loveliest I have ever attended. The first paragraph really sets the tone for the rest of the piece by introducing subtle humor and an unexpected point of view.

See also: set, tone

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

set the ˈtone (of/for something)

create or establish a general feeling or atmosphere among a group of people (about a particular subject): His very clever and very funny speech set the tone for the rest of the evening.

See also: set, tone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017