noun
foreshadowing; planting a clue
Used in storytelling, films, and novels for hints or clues laid early that pay off later. Often appears as 伏線を張る (lay foreshadowing) or 伏線を回収する (resolve foreshadowing).
この小説には巧妙な伏線がいくつも張られている。
This novel has many cleverly laid foreshadowings.
最終回で、それまで
In the final episode, all the foreshadowing up to that point was resolved.
noun
preparation; precautionary measure
Extended figurative use: laying groundwork or taking precautions for a future event, similar to 'setting the stage' or 'covering one's bases'. Less common than the storytelling sense.
交渉を有利に進めるために、事前にいくつか伏線を張っておいた。
I laid some groundwork in advance to move the negotiations in my favor.