make a scene—exhibit anger, indignation, etc., in a public outburst:
- He thought the soup too hot, and made quite a little scene about it.
make the scene —(sl.)
1. appear in a particular place:
- I’ve got to make the scene. The whole world will be there!
2. understand or appreciate the situation:
- I can’t quite make the scene, but it looks like Bruno punched the guy over here.
3. succeed; achieve a position, etc.:
- I guess with this album they’ll sure make the scene.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase set the scene—(also: lay the scene)
1. (Theater) install stage furniture, scenery, etc., to create the setting of a play:
- The stagehands set the scene for Macbeth’s final showdown in record time.
2. place or locate the surroundings of a play, film, story, etc.:
- The novel by Luigi Natoli sets the scene in 17th century Sicily.
3. provide the appropriate background or atmosphere for smth.:
- They have done what no American administration has dared do—set the scene for a proper debate.