take the initiative
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Meaning · English
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed in Wiktionary’s “English idioms” category (retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
khởi xướng
(verb) to take the initiative; to take the lead
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
muốn ăn thì lăn vào bếp
if you want to have something, take the initiative
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
take the lead
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
English · via khởi xướng
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “take the initiative” mean?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Is “take the initiative” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“khởi xướng” (Tiếng Việt) — near equivalent.