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

Moments before the first-half whistle was set to blow, Summit FC was given a golden opportunity to take the lead into halftime. — Spencer Baldwin, Denver Post, 13 July 2026

After England’s Jordan Pickford stopped an Erling Haaland header, Norway came back moments later after a takeaway on Harry Kane to take the lead. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026

The town hall was a chance for someone, anyone, to take the lead and say something that would reassure a furious Eastside. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

More inclusive systems Gerhardt says right now, solo agers are expected to take the lead in planning for their housing, finances, and transportation to appointments, often by hiring professionals to help them. — Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 9 July 2026

Rhymes for take the lead

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