2

what can I use as a synonym for "take the lead" preferably in one word?

Improve this question
4
  • Diala, Could you explain why you need this alternative to what is a perfectly good expression? As you know, one thing ELU asks for is that the asker gives context and reason for the request.
    – Tuffy
    Commented Mar 19, 2019 at 8:36
  • Is it a race? A project? What?
    – TimR
    Commented Mar 19, 2019 at 10:25
  • You can get it down to two words: "get shot".
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Mar 19, 2019 at 11:59
  • I took the lead from her. → I overtook her.
    – Jason Bassford
    Commented Mar 20, 2019 at 13:33

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
0

The most straightforward is simply "lead": "you lead, I'll follow" is equivalent to "you take the lead, I'll follow". It works for "lead" in the sense of tasks or actual paths.

There are plenty of synonymous phrases but all the single word synonyms (I can think of) only work in some situations, and have other connotations anyway ("guide", "direct").

Improve this answer
2
  • Hmm I'd said that too, but there's a subtle difference in that the take is not there for nothing, right?
    – Kris
    Commented Mar 19, 2019 at 10:47
  • @Kris maybe, but I can't define any reason for take in the general case (a suggestion of assuming leadership from someone else might need it). English, especially business English, seems rather prone to adding superfluous words: many uses of "in order to" could simply be served by "to" etc.
    – Chris H
    Commented Mar 19, 2019 at 11:12
0

I think "spearhead" is a good option.

serve as leader or leading element of

Source: Merriam Webster

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .