take the lead

• IPA^(key): /ˌteɪk ðə ˈliːd/

• Audio (AU)

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take the lead (third-person singular simple present takes the lead, present participle taking the lead, simple past took the lead, past participle taken the lead)

1. (idiomatic) To become the leader, to advance into first place.

   At 0-0, United will take the lead if they score the penalty.

   • 2010 December 29, Sam Sheringham, “Liverpool 0 - 1 Wolverhampton”, in BBC‎:

     It was an omen of things to come as in the 56th minute the visitors took the lead after a mix-up between Skrtel and Sotirios Kyrgiakos allowed Ebanks-Blake's through-ball to squeeze between them.

2. (idiomatic) To assume leadership over a group.