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).
This novel has many cleverly laid foreshadowings.
最終回で、それまでの伏線がすべて回収された。
In the final episode, all the foreshadowing up to that point was resolved.
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.
In the final episode, the foreshadowing from the first episode was resolved.
The author planted several subtle clues early in the story.
This conversation serves as foreshadowing for the later betrayal.