# lead up to

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lead-up-to
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To set in motion; to act as a causal or preparatory event or sequence of events.

## Examples

- These small tasks lead up to the final project.
- The long arguments in the meeting led up to his sudden decision to quit the team.
- The series of minor diplomatic disagreements led up to the formal declaration of war between the two neighboring nations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.