From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishtake the lead (in doing something)take the lead (in doing something)to be the first to start doing something or be most active in doing something The U.S. took the lead in declaring war on terrorism. → lead
Examples from the Corpus
take the lead (in doing something)• It shows what is being done right now by companies taking the lead.• It was Olsson who had taken the lead with the jump immediately before Edwards when he leapt 17.47m.• Meanwhile, in the brothers' partnership, Joe took the lead.• Principals are key players and are encouraged to take the lead to ensure that identification procedures are implemented.• It took only eight minutes for Portadown to take the lead.• Toronto took the lead on the power play with less than two minutes remaining in the second period.• United took the lead midway through the first half. 