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
Still, the multi-genre juggernaut duet between the charismatic Jelly Roll and top CCM artist Brandon Lake is likely to take the lead here.
—
Melinda Newman, Billboard, 18 Nov. 2025
Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin ran for a 4-yard touchdown to take the lead.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Nov. 2025
Millan says not to let your emotions take the lead.
—Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 16 Nov. 2025
Leeds take the lead after winning a succession of 50-50 challenges, Lukas Nmecha finishing well.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take the lead
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Melinda Newman, Billboard, 18 Nov. 2025
Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin ran for a 4-yard touchdown to take the lead.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Nov. 2025
Millan says not to let your emotions take the lead.
—Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 16 Nov. 2025
Leeds take the lead after winning a succession of 50-50 challenges, Lukas Nmecha finishing well.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 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 28 Nov. 2025.
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