Meaning of stage-manage | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To manage or organise the operation of a theatrical stage; to act as stage manager.
   literally
2. To carefully control or direct (an event, operation, etc.) from the background, especially in a calculating manner, so as to achieve a particular desired appearance or outcome.
   figuratively

Examples

“Bad practices were rife at the factory, but the boss stage-managed the inspectors' visit so that they did not see anything amiss.”

CEFR level