set the tone
Define the mood
To set the tone is to establish the mood, atmosphere, or standard for what follows.
An opening scene sets the tone for a film; a manager's demeanor sets the tone for workplace culture.
Her opening remarks set the tone for a productive meeting.
The phrase implies that early actions or choices shape expectations and influence everything that comes after.
Create formally, permanently
- dictateGive orders imperiously
- shapeExternal outline of something
- guideLeader or instruction book
- steerDirect movement or castrated bull
affect · color · infuse · pervade · dominate · calibrate · modulate · define
Gaseous layer around planets
- moodPrevailing emotional condition
- vibeIntuitive sense of mood
- feelPerceive by touch
- auraPerceived emanation surrounding someone
ambience · environment · climate · milieu · character · air · flavor · essence
Ability to see
- directionWay something faces
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- exampleRepresentative case shown
initiative · presence · confidence · decisiveness · charisma · command · inspiration · motivation
Representative case shown
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- standardLevel of quality accepted
benchmark · reference point · foundation · groundwork · starting point · opening · introduction · prelude
establish
Create formally, permanently
steer · affect · color · infuse · pervade · dominate · calibrate · modulate · define · determine
atmosphere
Gaseous layer around planets
aura · ambience · environment · climate · milieu · character · air · flavor · essence · backdrop
vision
Ability to see
example · initiative · presence · confidence · decisiveness · charisma · command · inspiration · motivation · opening remarks
example
Representative case shown
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
standard · benchmark · reference point · foundation · groundwork · starting point · opening · introduction · prelude · overture
anticipation
State of awaiting something
guideline · norm · objective · goal · target · framework · baseline · ground rules · parameters · boundaries
- Leadership idiomslead by example, take the reins, at the helm, call the shots, take charge
- music expressionsmusic to my ears, in tune, out of tune, play it by ear, strike a chord
- leadership jargonempower, delegate, inspire, motivate, visionary
set the tonefollow along
fall in line · go with the flow · follow suit · take a back seat · play along
set, tone, sets, setting, setter, reset, tones, toned, toning