take the lead
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
dẫn đầu
(verb) to lead; to take the lead; to be at the head of
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
khởi xướng
(verb) to take the initiative; to take the lead
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
take the initiative
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 lead” mean?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Is “take the lead” 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?
“dẫn đầu” (Tiếng Việt) — near equivalent.