take the lead

phrase

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 figuratively

Their company has taken the lead in developing this new technology.

Examples of take the lead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Trojans went 75 yards in 10 plays on the opening drive of the game to take the lead on Jordan Lovett’s 15-yard run. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Los Angeles running back Kyren Williams scored two touchdowns in the fourth to take the lead and ultimately seal victory for the Rams in a 24-20 win on the road. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

After throwing for just 18 yards in a scoreless third quarter, Craig had multiple chances to help TCU tie or take the lead in the fourth. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

The Panthers were clawing their way back against the Browns and had one final chance to take the lead late in the game. — Neil Nakahodo, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for take the lead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead