lead
noun
Definitions of lead noun
position
- B2Singular
A position of advantage in a competition or race.
Harrison took the lead for the first time in this competition.
She surged into the lead with a final burst of speed.
Johnson moved into the top position of the championship table after his win last night.
guidance
- C2CountableUsually singular
The act of demonstrating or guiding a person or group on what to do.
Let’s practice the dance routine again – follow my lead.
As a leader, he must set a positive lead.
She guided the team with a clear lead.
information
- Countable
A piece of information or hint that helps to solve a problem or make a discovery.
The police made several arrests thanks to a lead from an informant.
The detective is following every lead.
This lead helped them locate the hidden treasure.
electrical
- Countable
An insulated wire used to connect electrical equipment to a power source.
restraint
- Countable
A rope, chain, or similar item used to restrain or guide an animal, typically a dog.
Please keep your dog on a lead while on the beach.
He kept his puppy on a lead.
Phrases of lead noun
- the lead
The primary role or performer in a movie or theatrical production.
• They haven't decided who will play the lead yet.
verb
Definitions of lead verb
control
- B2TransitiveIntransitive
To be in charge or control of a group of people, a country, or a situation.
I believe we have chosen the right individual to lead this expedition.
I have asked Gemma to lead the group discussion.
Who will lead the inquiry into the incident?
winning
- B2TransitiveIntransitive
To be in first place or ahead of others, particularly in a competition or race.
After 30 minutes, the challengers were leading by two goals.
Ngomo had a lead of less than two seconds with two laps remaining.
The Lions are ahead of the Hawks with a score of 28-9.
influence
- C2Transitive
To persuade or influence someone to do something, often something undesirable or wrong.
The brochure led me to believe that the price included delivery.
It is concerning that such a prominent politician can be so easily led astray.
He was a man with a weak will, led astray by ambition.
guidance
- B1Intransitive
To guide or show the way to a group of people, animals, or vehicles by going in front.
I don't know the way, so it would be best if you led.
If you lead in the jeep, we will follow on horseback.
The guide led us through the jungle.
- Transitive
To be at the front of a group of moving people or vehicles and guide them in a certain direction.
The local youth band will lead the parade this weekend.
A large black hearse led the funeral procession.
She led the protesters through the streets.
- B1TransitiveVerb + adv/prep
To hold the hand or attach a leash to a person or animal and guide or take them somewhere.
She took the child's hand and led him upstairs to bed.
He led the horse out of the stable.
They led the dog through the park.
accompany
- B1TransitiveVerb + adv/prep
To accompany someone to a place by going with them.
She led them through the hall.
The server led us to our table.
Our guide led us through the mountains.
direction
- B2TransitiveIntransitiveVerb + adv/prep
To go in a specific direction, to result in a particular outcome, or to cause something to happen.
There is a small path that leads directly to the reservoir.
The door leads out onto a wide, shady terrace.
A narrow trail of blood led directly into the cave.
Phrases of lead verb
- lead the way
To guide or direct by going in front.
• Since you've been there before, why don't you lead the way?
- lead a busy, normal, quiet, etc. life
To experience or conduct a particular type of life, characterized by a specific quality or condition.
• Despite his illness, he was still able to lead a normal life.
adjective
Definitions of lead adjective
- B1Before noun
Used to describe the main performer or part in a performance.
Who is playing the lead role in the film?
The lead guitarist was excellent.
She played the lead part in the play.
Idioms
- go down like a lead balloon
To be received very badly or to fail completely; to be totally unsuccessful.
• Her new proposal went down like a lead balloon, failing to gain any support.
- lead someone a (merry) dance
To cause someone considerable trouble or difficulty, often by making them do many unnecessary things.
• The client kept changing their requests, leading our team a merry dance.
- lead someone by the nose
To completely control someone and dictate their actions.
• The manager tried to lead all the employees by the nose, but he quickly found it impossible.
- lead someone up the garden path
To mislead or deceive someone, often by presenting false information or promises.
• They claimed the investment was a sure thing, but I think they were leading us up the garden path.
- lead the field/pack/world
To be the most advanced, successful, or dominant in a particular field, group, or globally.
• This company leads the field in technological innovation.
Phrasal Verbs of lead
- lead to something
When an action or event results in something, it brings about the occurrence or existence of that thing.
• An unfortunate mistake can lead to serious consequences.
- lead up to something
When a sequence of events or a timeframe serves as the precursor to an event or activity, leading to its commencement.
• The preparations for the meeting typically take several weeks to ensure all details run smoothly, leading up to the success of the meeting.
- lead off
to commence speaking, typically as the initial speaker
• In this meeting, the host will lead off by introducing the agenda.
- lead someone on
to cause someone to accept as true something that is actually false
• She shouldn't have led him on to believe that she had feelings for him; she was just leading him on.
- lead with something
to prioritize a specific story by placing it in the most prominent position within a news report or newspaper.
• In the broadcast, they decided to lead with the breaking news, making it the focus for the viewers.