take up the running

take up the running

To become the leader in a race. Used especially when talking about horse racing. Though having a disastrous start, Kicking Queen quickly regained lost ground and took up the running in the last stretch of the race.
See also: running, take, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take up the running

take over as pacemaker in a race.
See also: running, take, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be on the edge of (something)
  • brink
  • be on the brink of (doing something)
  • wouldn't get a kick in a horsebox
  • kick upstairs, to