ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take the lead

idiom
Meaning

To become the leader, to advance into first place.


Examples
SIMPLE

You should take the lead on this project.

CONTEXTUAL

Our team was losing, but the captain took the lead after scoring two quick goals.

COMPLEX

By proposing a bold new strategy during the crisis, the young manager took the lead and guided the company toward stability.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all roads lead to Rome

    Different paths can take one to the same goal.

  2. 02

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  3. 03

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  4. 04

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

  5. 05

    get taken in

    To be fooled; to fall for.

  6. 06

    get the lead out

    To go faster; to hurry up.

  7. 07

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  8. 08

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

    Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

Last updated April 17, 2026