take the lead

idiom

1
: to take a position that is ahead of others : go first
You take the lead and we'll follow right behind you.
2
: to take the winning position in a race or competition
Her car has taken the lead.
Our team took the lead in the eighth inning.
often used figuratively
Their company has taken the lead in developing this new technology.

Examples of take the lead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Early in the second half, the standout players for Heights worked together to take the lead. Ella Diaz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025 That was a costly turnover, as the Giants were in the red zone and in position to take the lead before haldtime. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025 After battling back to take the lead on the road on Sunday, the Broncos' offense stalled in the fourth quarter while Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert shined to lead his team to a comeback 23-20 victory at SoFi Stadium. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025 The interception at the end was the final nail in the coffin, but a roughing the punter penalty on the previous drive is what allowed the Bills to take the lead. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for take the lead

Cite this Entry

“Take the lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20lead. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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