to take the lead

Examples

• All

• When we get there, you have to let me take the lead.

  Metal Detector Maniac (2021)

• You might have to take the lead.

  Trouble with the Curve (2012)

• I think this generation is really taking the lead, and it's a good thing.

• We need you to take the lead on that, please and thank you.

• You take the lead on this.

  She Said (2022)

• We may have to take the lead until others feel more informed and more comfortable.

  Academic text (2015)

• New York State health officials have taken the lead in developing a safe harbor system.

  Fiction book (1992)

• We must support our faculty as they take the lead in reconfiguring the map of knowledge.

  Harvard University

• Now it is time to take the lead in the discovery of the cosmos.

  Academic text (1990)

• China and South Korea have taken the lead in exhorting Pyongyang to open up its economy.

  Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

L

to lead

vsto take the lead

∞ 1.0

To guide a group or be in charge

is about assuming responsibility and initiative specifically rather than general direction

T

to take over

vsto take the lead

862 3.1

Begin to control someone else's job or project

is about initiating control and responsibility rather than primarily replacing another person

T

to take on

vsto take the lead

405 2.8

To agree to do a job or task

is about assuming wider control and initiative rather than accepting single tasks

T

to take control

vsto take the lead

227 3.5

Start to have power and make decisions about something

is about assuming initiative and responsibility more than merely gaining authority

S

to step up

vsto take the lead

182 3.7

Take action and accept responsibility for a task or problem

is broader, covering formal assumption of control and initiative

C

to call the shots

vsto take the lead

• Informal

99 4.2

To be in control and make the important decisions

is more about assuming responsibility and initiative rather than only making decisions

T

to take charge

vsto take the lead

98 3.5

Start to control a group or situation and lead others

is more about initiative and starting action rather than simply commanding

H

to head up

vsto take the lead

59 3.9

To lead a group or team

is about assuming initiative and responsibility rather than only managing duties

R

to run the show

vsto take the lead

• Informal

58 4.1

To be in charge of an activity or group

is more about initiating action and broader responsibility beyond routine management

S

to spearhead

vsto take the lead

41 5.6

To lead a new attack or activity

focuses on broad control and responsibility rather than only initiating action

S

to step up to the plate

vsto take the lead

• Informal

32 4.6

To take responsibility and act when a difficult situation happens

is more about accepting ongoing control or initiative rather than urgent volunteering

T

to take it upon oneself

vsto take the lead

28 5.3

Decide to do something and accept responsibility without being asked

is about formal control or initiative rather than purely unsolicited personal action

T

to take the wheel

vsto take the lead

23 4.7

To drive a car or have control of a situation

is about broad initiative and responsibility rather than mainly directing movement

T

to take the initiative

vsto take the lead

22 3.8

To be the first to act to make something happen

is about assuming responsibility and wider control rather than only being first to act

T

to take the helm

vsto take the lead

12 4.4

To lead an organization, group, or project

is broader, focusing on initiative and responsibility rather than only formal leadership

T

to take on the role

vsto take the lead

10 3.1

Accept a job, responsibility, or part in a play

assumes wider control and initiative across a situation rather than a single job

R

to rule the roost

vsto take the lead

• Informal

3 6.3

To be in control of a group and make important decisions

is about accepting responsibility and initiative rather than asserting dominance or authority

H

to hold the reins

vsto take the lead

• Informal

3 4.9

To be in control of a group or business

is more about initiating action and accepting responsibility than only managing

C

to call the tune

vsto take the lead

• Informal

3 7.0

To have control and make the main decisions

is about assuming initiative and responsibility, not only choosing policy or direction

T

to take the chair

vsto take the lead

• UK

3 5.6

Lead a meeting as the person in charge

is broader, meaning to accept responsibility or initiative beyond running meetings

C

to carry the ball

vsto take the lead

• Informal

2 4.6

Lead a project or task and make sure it is finished

is about assuming initiative and overall control rather than only managing tasks

A

to assume the mantle

vsto take the lead

• Formal

1 7.3

To take on an important role as a leader

means accepting initiative and broad control rather than only symbolic responsibility

T

to take the con

vsto take the lead

1 7.9

To lead a meeting or discussion

is the general act of assuming responsibility and initiative beyond steering meetings

C

to carry the mantle

vsto take the lead

• Formal

1 7.4

To take on responsibility as the next leader

is about general initiative and responsibility rather than only continuing a predecessor's role

T

to take the front seat

vsto take the lead

• Informal

1 4.2

To lead a group or activity and direct what people do

is broader, covering responsibility and initiative beyond mere visibility or prominence

M

to make the running

vsto take the lead

• UK

1 7.7

To take the lead in a group or activity and get others to follow

is about overall responsibility and control rather than only starting or setting the pace

P

to play first fiddle

vsto take the lead

• Informal

1 7.3

To lead a group or activity as the most important person

is broader, covering responsibility and initiative beyond simply being the main performer

T

to take up the running of

vsto take the lead

6.1

Start managing something after the previous person leaves

is about assuming initiative and responsibility generally, not only replacing a previous manager

T

to take up the running

vsto take the lead

7.4

To start managing a task or group after someone else managed it

is about initiating and broader responsibility rather than simply replacing a previous manager

L

to lead the line

vsto take the lead

6.1

To stand at the front of a group and direct them

is broader, implying responsibility and initiative rather than only holding a front position

S

to step to the fore

vsto take the lead

7.0

To offer to take charge of a group or task

is broader, covering formal control and initiative beyond mere visibility

Antonyms

D

to defer

• Formal

36 6.2

To accept another person's opinion or decision out of respect

How In Charge

spearhead

3 5.0

to lead

∞ 1.0

to take the lead

79 3.2

to take part

169 1.4

to follow

• Jargon

45 5.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology