take the lead

take the lead

1. To be the primary person working on something; to assert oneself as the leader. I have meetings all day, so please take the lead on this project, Joan.
2. To become the leader in a competition by overtaking another player, team, or participant. And with that goal, the home team takes the lead! Now that exam scores have been factored in, Amelia has taken the lead in the race for valedictorian.
See also: lead, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • kick (oneself) for (doing something)
  • for (one's) (own) sake
  • for sake
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash hands of
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
  • wash your hands of something/someone
  • keep in sight
References in periodicals archive
21st hit back with two goals to take the lead but Doggy fought back with Brad Butler scoring a great goal.
North Ormesby
Caerphilly scored twice to take the lead before Daniel Harris equalised with a penalty by Simon Pember who scored the winner with a shot from outside the box.
Harris' brace puts Penydarren top
The home side had a number of good chances to take the lead as first the Dromara keeper came out on top when faced with a couple of one-on-one situations, then Ashley Holden saw a terrific volley shave the crossbar before an Adrian Dalton shot struck the upright.
Football: Derby day joy for Down men; Downshire YM 3 Dromara Village 1
Six minutes into the second half, Plymouth had a good chance to take the lead, but Micky Evans' tame header was saved by Steve Williams.
FOOTBALL: Evans' late show; PLYMOUTH.........2 WYCOMBE..........1