(informal) initially, at first

(with the definite article l') (figuratively) what's behind the scenes

(film) opening credits

(film, theater) to set up the scenery / (informal, figuratively) to set the scene

(didactics) false beginner

(transitive with de) to come to someone's defence, to stand up for someone

attack is the best form of defence, the best defense is a good offense

beginning of the end

(intransitive, informal, figuratively) to go off track, to come off the road

plural of générique de début