lead

[liːd]

lead Definition

• 1. to show the way to a place by going there with or in front of someone
• 2. to control a group of people, a country, or a situation
• 3. a 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

• direct
• conduct
• govern
• rule
• metal
• plumbum
• guide

Antonyms for lead

• follow
• mislead
• misguide
• obey
• mercury

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.'