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

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

Seminole led 13–7 at halftime, but after a lightning delay in the third quarter Mainland came out and scored a quick touchdown to take the lead 14-13. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

At the weekend, President Xi Jinping said at the BRICS bloc summit in New Delhi that China will take the lead to help foster AI collaboration and development among developing countries. — April Roach,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Seattle's 10th penalty of the game then pushed the Seahawks back five yards on a delay of game, and after two ensuring incompletions Seattle opted for a short field goal by Jason Myers to take the lead. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for take the lead

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