to show the way to a place by going there with or in front of someone, to control a group of people, a country, or a situation, a soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element; bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes readily to dull grey

lead a double life, lead someone up the garden path, in the lead

lead by example, lead the way, take the lead

Formal and Informal Expressions of lead

In different contexts, you can replace 'lead' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'govern, control' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'boss around, call the shots' is a commonplace synonym.

lead: Explore its Definition & Usage

lead Definition

1to show the way to a place by going there with or in front of someone
2to control a group of people, a country, or a situation
3a soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element; bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes readily to dull grey

Using lead: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lead" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Can you lead us to the nearest gas station?
Example
She led the team to victory.
Example
The president led the country through a difficult time.
Example
Lead is used in batteries and bullets.
Example
He was poisoned by lead in the water.

lead Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for lead

Antonyms for lead

Idioms Using lead

lead a double life
to have a secret life in addition to one's public life
Example
He was leading a double life, secretly working as a spy while pretending to be a businessman.
lead someone up the garden path
to deceive or mislead someone
Example
He led me up the garden path with promises of a promotion, but it never happened.
in the lead
in a position of advantage or ahead of others in a competition or race
Example
After the first lap, she was in the lead and never looked back.

Phrases with lead

lead by example
to show others how to behave by doing so yourself
Example
The manager always leads by example, working hard and treating everyone with respect.
lead the way
to go first and show others where to go
Example
The tour guide led the way through the jungle.
take the lead
to become the leader or most important person in a situation
Example
After the CEO resigned, the CFO took the lead in running the company.

Origins of lead

from Old English 'lǣdan', meaning 'cause to go with one, guide, conduct'

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Summary: lead in Brief

The verb 'lead' [liːd] means to guide, direct, or control people or situations. It can also refer to showing the way to a place. As a noun, 'lead' refers to a soft, heavy, toxic, malleable metallic element. Common phrases include 'lead by example,' 'lead the way,' and 'take the lead.' Idioms include 'lead a double life,' 'lead someone up the garden path,' and 'in the lead.'