Phrase guide

take the lead

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌteɪk ðə ˈliːd/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To become the leader, to advance into first place.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • At 0-0, United will take the lead if they score the penalty.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To assume leadership over a group.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 打頭陣 /打头阵 (dǎ tóuzhèn) — to advance into first place
  • Finnish: päästä johtoon — to advance into first place
  • French: ouvrir la marche — to advance into first place
  • French: passer en tête — to advance into first place
  • Galician: antepoñerse — to advance into first place
  • Hungarian: vezet — to advance into first place
  • Latin: praesum — to advance into first place
  • French: prendre le commandement — to assume leadership over a group
  • Hungarian: elöl jár — to assume leadership over a group
  • Hungarian: élen jár — to assume leadership over a group
  • Latin: praesum — to assume leadership over a group