lead off

Related to lead off: led off

lead off

1. To take the first action in a particular situation. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "lead" and "off." I'll lead off with my concerns about the project, if you want.
2. To escort someone away from their current place or position. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "lead" and "off." Can you please lead this group of students off to the auditorium? A: "Where's Adam?" B: "He just led off the first tour group."
3. In baseball or softball, to bat first in a lineup. Justin usually leads off for us. Who is leading off this inning?
See also: lead, off
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

lead someone or something off

to guide someone or something away. The guide led the hikers off on the adventure of their lives. The dog owners led off their animals and they awaited the decision of the judges.
See also: lead, off

lead off (with someone or something)

[for a person, process, or performance] to begin with someone or something. The musical revue led off with a bassoon trio. Sharon, the singer, will lead off tonight.
See also: lead, off

lead off

to be the first one to go or leave. You lead off. I'll follow. Mary led off and the others followed closely behind.
See also: lead, off
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

lead off

Begin, start, go first. For example, We have a panel of three speakers, so will you lead off? [c. 1800]
See also: lead, off
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

lead off

v.
1. To cause something to begin or start; inaugurate something: Do you want me to lead off the discussion with some comments? The secretary led the meeting off with some announcements.
2. To guide someone or something away: The counselor led the campers off to their bunks.
3. Baseball To be the first batter in an inning: The batter who led off in the first inning scored a home run.
See also: lead, off
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • lead with
  • lead on
  • lead in
  • led
  • lead a life of (something)
  • Get the lead out!
  • get the lead out
  • get the lead out of (one's) pants
  • bring (someone or something) to a dead end
  • bring to a dead end
References in periodicals archive
So why are coaches still teaching their runners to lead off third base in foul territory?
Why lead off third base in foul territory? Every step counts!
Ellsbury walked to lead off the first but was erased on Pedroia's double-play ball.
On brink; Red Sox trail Angels in bottom of 9th
Upstairs on the landing, doors lead off to two double bedrooms and a cloakroom.
A DELIGHTFUL COTTAGE; Rental property of the week..
In the third inning, when Lowell was due to lead off, Terry Francona sent out Chris Carter to pinch hit.
Yankees pouring it on in the rain; Sox JV pitchers failing as game halted
Their lead off batter reached on an error, advanced to second on a ground out and scored on a double to right center.
Warriors come up short at New Athens, 3-2
Romero doubled to lead off the bottom of the ninth, but was thrown out at third when Hale reached second on a fielder's choice.
Ems blow late lead in 7-6 loss to Boise
Kyle Geiger made it 3-0 with a line-drive home run over the left-field fence to lead off the fourth inning.
'Nadoes blow late lead; Daubert wins it for Ottawa
Morgan Dodd singled to lead off the frame, stole second and scored on a double by Nalley.
Softball Marion softball blasts Massac County, 16-6
Peguero doubled to lead off the seventh and scored on a double by Garcia, who later scored on a sacrifice fly by Andruw Monasterio to put the Ems ahead 5-1.
Ems continue their winning ways
CUTLINE: Schwartz's Camden Frederick, right, reaches home plate after hitting a home run to lead off the championship game of the Worcester Little League City Series.
PRESS BOX
Austin Grebeck got the first hit off OSU starter Jake Thompson to lead off the fourth and scored on a double by A.J.
Ducks win rare series in Corvallis