lead*/*/*/

[liːd] (past tense and past participle led [led] ) verb I

1) [T] to take someone to a place by going there with them, usually in front of them

The estate agent led us into the kitchen.[/ex]

She took the boy by the hand and led him from the room.[/ex]

2) [I/T] if something such as a road, river, or door leads somewhere, or if it leads you there, it goes there

The road leads west for three miles then turns south.[/ex]

This door leads you to a large entrance hall.[/ex]

3) [I/T] to be winning at a particular time during a race or competition

The polls show Labour leading with only 10 days left until the election.[/ex]

France was leading England at half time by 3 goals to 2.[/ex]

4) [I/T] to be the most successful, popular, or advanced of all the people or groups that are involved in a particular activity

They lead the world in oil production.[/ex]

5) [T] to be in charge of an organization, group of people, or an activity

She led the team for over twelve years.[/ex]

6) [T] to influence someone to do or think something

I had been led to believe that the job was mine if I wanted it.[/ex]

7) [T] to live your life in a particular way

He had always led a quiet life until he met Emma.[/ex]

•

lead the way — 1) to show other people the way to a place[/ex]

Sheila turned and led the way downstairs.[/ex]

— 2) to be the first person to do something and to show other people how to do it

It is a country that has always led the way in its conservation policies.[/ex]

- lead sb on

- lead to sth

- lead up to sth

II

noun

lead */*/*/[liːd]

1) [singular] the first position at any particular time during a race or competition

He regained his lead in the final lap.[/ex]

The latest polls show the Labour candidate in the lead (= winning).[/ex]

2) [singular] the distance, amount of time, number of points etc by which someone is winning a race or competition

They've now increased their lead to three points.[/ex]

3) [C] the main person or part in a play, film, or television programme

She's playing the lead in her school play.[/ex]

4) [C] a piece of information that may help to solve a crime or help to find out the truth about something

5) [C] an action that is an example for someone to copy

North Korea is to follow China's lead in attracting foreign investment.[/ex]

6) [C] the most important story on the front page of a newspaper, or the first piece of news on a news broadcast

7) [C] a chain or long narrow piece of leather that you fasten to a collar around a dog's neck in order to control the dog

All dogs must be kept on a lead in the park.[/ex]

8) [C] British

an electrical wire that connects a piece of equipment to a power supply

Syn:

cable

•

take the lead — 1) to start winning a race or competition[/ex]

She took the lead ten miles into the marathon.[/ex]

— 2) to do something first, especially as an example for other people to follow

British farmers took the lead by sending tons of grain to the disaster area.[/ex]

Words often used with lead Verbs often used with lead (noun, sense 1) ■ establish, have, hold, keep, maintain + LEAD: be or stay in the first position III

noun

lead [led]

1) [U] a soft heavy grey metal

2) [C/U] the part of a pencil that you make marks with