A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

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 
1
7th
century Sicily. 3. provide the appropriate background or atmos-
phere for smth.: They have done what no American adminis-
tration has dared do — set the scene for a proper debate.
make a show • make a showing
make a show —(also: put on a show) display an outward ap -
pearance or semblance of smth.: The gardener was a very old
man, somewhat deaf, who was only making a show of work-
ing.
Note: 
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase do a show—(coll.) attend an entertainment: People over
a wide area would dine and do a show, as they do at Strat-
ford.
make a showing —give a demonstration of some competence
or worth: She’s very young, and I thought it was fine that she
even made a showing among all those older contestants.
make a snatch • take a snatch
make a snatch —(Underworld) commit an unexpected and
quick robbery (also: do a snatch): The best way is to make a
snatch and give legs for it, it’s better than loitering.
take a snatch —(coll.) eat some meal hurriedly (when a
chance occurs): He took only a snatch or light refreshment,
returning immediately to his desk.
make a stand against something • take a stand
against something
make a stand against something —oppose smth. actively: The
teachers’ union has made a stand against violence, backing
members who have threatened industrial action rather than
teach disruptive children.
take a stand against something —adopt a firm public position
against smth.: Pennsylvanians should be proud of the officials
who took a stand against violence and hatred in this state.