set the tone

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释义
奠定基调(后加sth.)
To establish the mood of something, or the manner in which something will be conducted.

例句
Amy: Keeping in mind that whoever's on top may set the tone for the marriage. (The Big Band Theory)
艾米：要时刻谨记谁骑在谁身上，会奠定婚姻的基调的。（生活大爆炸）