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

Mali was down two at the half, but outscored Spain 31-19 in the third quarter to take the lead. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Trying to take the lead in the eighth inning, especially with closer Josh Hader rested and looming to pitch the ninth, seemed prudent. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

As a former defensive end himself, Rucker largely focused on his thoughts on Caroina’s defensive line and hopes the group attempts to take the lead for a Panthers team that struggled all across the field last year. — Nicky Wolcott, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 2026

The sequel film, which also welcomes back Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as their aunts, Jet and Franny Owens, will see the next generation of Owens women take the lead. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for take the lead

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