beat gongs to clear the way [for officials in feudal times] —prepare the public for a coming event; clear (/pave) the way for ❍ 他们妄图为旧秩序的复辟～。They tried to pave the way for the restoration of the old order.
鸣锣开道
beat the gong to clear the way for…
鸣锣开道mínɡ luó kāi dào
过去的官吏出行时，前面仪仗队敲锣，吆喝路人回避，让出道路；现多比喻为某种事物的出现、发展制造舆论，创造条件，开辟道路。beat gongs to clear the way, pave the way for sth., clear the way for