お膳ぜん立だて

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb

setting the table; laying the table

Literal meaning: arranging dishes, chopsticks, and food on a table before a meal. Often used as a noun or with する.

• 母ははは夕ゆう食しょくのためにお膳ぜん立だてをしていた。

  My mother was setting the table for dinner.

• お客きゃくさんが来くる前まえに、急いそいでお膳ぜん立だてをした。

  Before the guests arrived, I hurriedly set the table.

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb

setting up; making arrangements; paving the way

Idiomatic use: preparing everything necessary so that something can proceed smoothly. Often implies doing groundwork or removing obstacles for someone else's benefit. Can be used with する.

• 上じょう司しが会かい議ぎのお膳ぜん立だてをすべてしてくれた。

  My boss made all the arrangements for the meeting.

• 彼かれはデートのお膳ぜん立だてを友ゆう人じんに頼たのんだ。

  He asked his friend to set up the date for him.