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
Leeds take the lead after winning a succession of 50-50 challenges, Lukas Nmecha finishing well.
—
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
When a cooler full of body parts turns up in Crip territory, the Detroiters offer to take the lead on responding to the Colombians, who are most likely responsible for the dismemberment.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
The Olympians received the second-half kickoff and needed just four plays to take the lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
After a Bowie punt, SGP found themselves in a position to take the lead.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take the lead
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
When a cooler full of body parts turns up in Crip territory, the Detroiters offer to take the lead on responding to the Colombians, who are most likely responsible for the dismemberment.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
The Olympians received the second-half kickoff and needed just four plays to take the lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
After a Bowie punt, SGP found themselves in a position to take the lead.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 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 18 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share