take the lead

phrase

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

After the 49ers scored a fourth-quarter touchdown to take the lead, Chenal blocked the extra point attempt and kept the Chiefs’ deficit at three points (16-13). — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026

Derrick Henry punches it in from 3 yards out a play later to take the lead. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026

Burns followed with a 7-iron over the water to a front pin that rolled out 4 feet away for birdie to take the lead. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Hurts led the Eagles on a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes of the game and connected with wide receiver Darius Cooper on a 3-yard score to take the lead with 9 seconds left. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for take the lead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead