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

The Bears started off well against Seattle's stout defense by putting together a 17-play drive on the opening possession to take the lead when Williams threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

After Harrison Butker missed a 54-yard field-goal attempt, the Broncos needed just two plays to take the lead. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

After striking quickly once, the next touchdown to take the lead was methodical. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Habibes and Adili also take the lead roles, with Eric Delcourt, Jean-Louis Tribes and Jean-Marie Paris in support. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for take the lead

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