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 figurativelyTheir company has taken the lead in developing this new technology.
Examples of take the lead in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Wolfpack had the ball back and Darrion Williams attempted a shot to take the lead.
—
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Dec. 2025
Fourth, and finally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio must take the lead in negotiations with both the Russians and Ukrainians.
—Michael McFaul, Time, 7 Dec. 2025
The 8-3-1 Packers can take the lead in the NFC North with a win over Chicago.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
And, given growing demand for rPET across both the regional and global markets, China has the potential to take the lead in rPET production, Carbios said last June during the initial discussions.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take the lead
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Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Dec. 2025
Fourth, and finally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio must take the lead in negotiations with both the Russians and Ukrainians.
—Michael McFaul, Time, 7 Dec. 2025
The 8-3-1 Packers can take the lead in the NFC North with a win over Chicago.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
And, given growing demand for rPET across both the regional and global markets, China has the potential to take the lead in rPET production, Carbios said last June during the initial discussions.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 2025.
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