请输入您要查询的英文单词：

　

单词 lead
释义
lead1 verblead2 nounlead3 noun
leadlead1 /liːd/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle led /led/) Entry menu
MENU FOR leadlead1 take somebody somewhere2 go in front3 be in charge4 cause something to happen5 cause somebody to believe something6 influence7 be more successful8 be winning9 path/door etc10 life11 discussion etc12 lead somebody up the garden path13 lead somebody astray14 lead nowhere/not lead anywhere15 lead by example16 lead somebody by the nose17 this/that leads (me) to something18 somebody has their own life to lead19 lead somebody a merry old dance/a right old dance20 market-led/export-led etc21 lead the eye22 card gamePhrasal verbslead offlead somebody onlead on to somethinglead with somethinglead up to something
Word Origin
WORD ORIGINlead1
Origin:
Old English lædan
Verb Table
VERB TABLE
lead
Simple Form
PresentI, you, we, theylead
he, she, itleads
PastI, you, he, she, it, we, theyled
Present perfectI, you, we, theyhave led
he, she, ithas led
Past perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theyhad led
FutureI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill lead
Future perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill have led
Continuous Form
PresentIam leading
he, she, itis leading
you, we, theyare leading
PastI, he, she, itwas leading
you, we, theywere leading
Present perfectI, you, we, theyhave been leading
he, she, ithas been leading
Past perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theyhad been leading
FutureI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill be leading
Future perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill have been leading
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • 67% of voters said they would not trust him to lead the country.
  • A group of 80 planes, led by Lieutenant Commander Egusha, was on its way to attack.
  • Debbie always leads the conversation back around to herself.
  • Dr Jenkins leads a team of researchers at the Plant Institute.
  • For many years, India's Congress Party was led by Mrs Indira Gandhi.
  • He led Julia through the house to his study.
  • In silence, Roland led the way back to the car.
  • Jaruzelski led the country's Communist regime for nine years.
  • Juan led her slowly around the dance floor.
  • Our guide seemed to be leading us towards a wooded area in the distance.
  • The drug raid was led by top officers.
  • The government, led by conservatives, has been unwilling to join the talks.
  • The high school band is leading the parade.
  • The police officer took her arm and led her gently away.
  • UN-led hostage negotiations
  • Who is leading the investigation?
  • With two minutes to play, the Lakers are still leading.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • He led the way, his slim hips in the tight fitting pants snaking gracefully between the tables.
  • He was killed in the assault soon after, but the information he had gained as a scout led to victory.
  • Kato leads Cal in interceptions with three.
  • One unexcused absence can lead to a ninety-day suspension of benefits; four unexcused absences can cause expulsion from welfare entirely.
  • She opened the door, thinking it led to a bedroom.
  • This led to the second major set of issues, operation and maintenance at the local level.
Thesaurus
THESAURUS
to take a person or animal somewhere by going in front of them while they follow, or by pulling them gently: · Rachel led Jo into the kitchen.· She was leading a horse, which seemed to have a bad leg.
to take someone somewhere with you when you have the transport, know the way, are paying etc: · I took her to see a film.· Matt’s taking me in his car.
to take someone through or to a place you know, showing them the way: · Ali guided us through the streets to his house on the edge of the town.
to take someone to a place such as a table in a restaurant or a hotel room and leave them there: · A waitress showed us to our table.· We were shown to our seats near the front of the theatre.
to show someone which direction to go using your hand or a sign: · The sign back there pointed this way.
to take someone somewhere, protecting them, guarding them, or showing them the way: · He was escorted from the court by police.· The president’s car will be escorted by a military convoy.
to show someone the way to a room or building nearby, usually as part of your job: · His housekeeper ushered us into the living room.
to carefully take someone somewhere – used especially about a group of people: · The police shepherded thousands of people to safety in the cathedral.
formal to tell someone where to go or how to get somewhere: · He directed us to a café a few blocks away.· Can you direct me to the station?
Longman Language Activatorto influence someone in a bad way
to encourage someone to do bad or immoral things that they would not normally do: · They're afraid their son will be led astray by the older boys.· Parents complained that teachers were leading students astray by discussing contraception and abortion in the classroom.
if someone in a position of authority, such as a parent or teacher sets a bad example , they influence others to behave in a bad or immoral way because they themselves behave in a bad or immoral way: · Doctors who smoke set a bad example.set a bad example/be a bad example to: · Not only was it wrong of him to steal from the shop, he was setting a very bad example to his younger brother.be a bad example for/to somebody: · Waters doesn't drink or curse because he doesn't want to be a bad example for young people.
to make someone who would not normally behave badly behave in an immoral way, especially by having some influence over them over a long period of time: · The Senate will form a committee to determine if violence on television is corrupting young people.· The prison system does not work because many of the younger offenders are being corrupted by older, long-term prisoners.
someone who is a bad influence encourages someone else, especially a young person or someone who is easily influenced, to behave in the same bad or immoral way as themselves: · My parents don't want me to be friends with you any more. They think you're a bad influence.be a bad influence on: · Her new boyfriend has been a very bad influence on her.
to happen or exist before someone or something else
· The paragraph says basically the same thing as the one that came before.come before something · The salad usually comes before the main course.· In the Greek alphabet, the letter delta comes before the letter epsilon.
formal to come just before something else in a pattern or series: · In English, the subject precedes the verb.· On vehicle licence plates in the UK, the numbers are preceded by a single letter.
if one historical event or object predates another, it happened or existed before it: · Many economic systems predate capitalism.predate something by 10/50/200 etc years: · The steam engine predates the internal combustion engine by at least 100 years.
if an event leads up to another event, it comes before it and often causes it to happen: · Monroe still refuses to talk about the events which led up to his resignation.· The book describes some of the events leading up to the First World War.
if one of two events comes first , it happens before the other event: · The rains came first, then the storms.
formal or written if an event is a prelude to a more important event, it happens just before it and often makes people expect it: · The air-strike was just a prelude to the invasion.· The revolution of 1789 was a prelude to a more just and equal society.
to make something happen
· I wish you wouldn't slam the door. It makes the floor shake.· Accidents don't always just happen - people can make them happen.· Gravity is the force that makes the planets move around the sun.
to make something happen, especially something unpleasant: · Heavy traffic is causing long delays on the roads.· About half of the chemicals that were tested caused cancer in rats.· The autopsy showed that her death was caused by liver failure.cause somebody trouble/problems/anxiety etc: · As children we were always causing our parents trouble.· Try to isolate the problems that are causing you the most difficulty.cause something to do something: · The power failure caused the whole computer system to shut down.
to be the particular reason for a problem or difficulty: · After a long investigation into the fire, faulty wiring was found to be the cause.be the cause of: · It's too early to say whether this virus is actually the cause of the disease.· An explosion on board appears to be the cause of the crash.be the leading/main cause of something: · The study showed that drug use is the leading cause of crime and violence.
to be the person or thing that causes something bad to happen, for example a mistake, a problem, or a serious accident: · The number of workplace accidents is increasing, but it is not clear who or what is responsible.be responsible for: · Heart disease was responsible for most of the deaths.· He was clearly responsible for the deaths and must be punished.be largely/mainly responsible for something: · Inflation was largely responsible for the economic crisis.
if an action or event results in something, it makes something happen: · Workers fear that the company's reorganization will result in layoffs.· Months of secret talks with the rebels finally resulted in the release of the hostages.· If left untreated, the condition will eventually result in blindness.
to start a process that finally makes something happen: · His research eventually led to the development of a vaccine.· The new regulations should lead to an improvement in our water supply.· The bank has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the robbers.
formal if a situation, event, or action gives rise to a particular feeling, situation etc, it starts the process that makes it happen: · The canal project gave rise to a malaria epidemic in the region.· The President's frequent cancellations have given rise to concerns about his health.
to make something happen, especially a change or an improved situation: bring about something: · The President will support any efforts to bring about a ceasefire.· Education is the best method of bringing about economic development.bring something about: · A lot of hard work by ordinary citizens eventually brought the changes about.
to make a particular condition that did not exist at all suddenly exist: · The white walls and mirrors helped to create an illusion of space.· Margot's outburst created an unpleasant atmosphere and most of the guests left early.· The end of the cold war helped create a situation in which more countries than ever have access to nuclear weapons.
if something makes for a particular situation, it makes it easier or more likely for that situation to exist: · The stormy weather made for a very bumpy landing.· Delicious food and wonderful company made for a very enjoyable evening.
to make someone do something
· Sarah's very funny. Her jokes always make me laugh.· The things she said make me wonder if she is in some kind of trouble.· The smell was so bad it almost made me throw up.be made to do something · I was made to wait for over an hour.
to make someone or something do something. Cause is more formal than make: · A dog ran into the road, causing the cyclist to swerve.· The parents' fear of gang activity caused them to move the family to a safer neighborhood.· No-one understands what could have caused her to hate him so much.
to be the thing that makes someone do something, especially when this process takes some time: · What led you to take up teaching as a career?· It was my interest in gardens that led me to study biology.lead somebody to believe: · The negative publicity has already led many to believe that Tompkins is guilty.
if something motivates someone to do something, it makes them want to do it - use this especially to talk about the reasons why people do things that are very good, very bad, or very dangerous: motivate somebody to do something: · I don't know what motivates people to commit such crimes.be motivated by something: · He was motivated by a desire to help his fellow man.· Many in the Asian community feel that the police actions were motivated by racial bias.
formal to make someone choose to do something: · Whatever induced her to buy such an expensive car?· The state advertises a great deal to induce its citizens to buy lottery tickets.
to be the thing that makes you to do something, especially something you have been thinking of doing for some time: · It was reading his book that prompted me to write to him.· What exactly prompted him to call you in the middle of the night?
to make someone expect something
to encourage someone to expect something, especially something that does not actually happen: · The hotel was horrible - not at all what we'd been led to expect.· I think his campaign promises led us all to expect he'd be a much more honest politician.
if something that someone says raises or arouses expectations , it makes people begin to expect something good or interesting: · A good manager raises expectations among employees.raise/arouse expectations of: · The prime minister's remarks aroused expectations of tax cuts.
to do something that has never been done before
· The Spanish were the first to keep cattle in the American deserts.· She was the first to see the link between poverty and poor health.be the first person to do something · Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space.
to be the first to do something, especially something good or successful, which may encourage others to do something similar: · Once the Japanese had shown the way, manufacturers in other countries soon began to use robots on a large scale.lead the way in doing something: · The company has led the way in developing environmentally friendly products.
use this about something someone does or tries to do that no-one has ever done before: · The special effects in the movie included things that had never been done before.· Because of advances in technology, we are able to try something that has never been attempted before.
to be the first to invent or find a new method of doing something, and make it possible or easier for others to do the same: · He pioneered techniques for photographing moving objects.· Heart-transplant surgery was pioneered by Professor Christiaan Barnard.
using new and better methods or ideas for the first time: · Her pioneering work in the field of education will be remembered.· Cowley's pioneering development of modern emergency medicine helped save countless lives.
if someone or their work breaks new ground , their work is completely new and different from anything that existed before: · Roosevelt's social reform program broke new ground.· The album is enjoyable, but breaks no new ground.· There's a lot of new ground being broken in the field of genetic research.
British /mold American to be the first to do something in a different way from the way it was usually done before: · The governor urged teachers to break the mold in establishing new ways of teaching.· The new party promised to break the mould of British politics.
to be in charge of an activity or group of people
if you are in charge of an activity or a group of people, you are the person who has the authority to control what happens, tell other people what to do etc: · He's the captain. He's in charge, so he's responsible for anything that happens.be in charge of: · Who's the officer in charge of the investigationbe in charge of doing something: · As senior supervisor, she is in charge of training new employees.put somebody in charge: · Two years after joining the police force, he was put in charge of the department's records.
to be the person who makes the important decisions about what will happen in a business, organization, country etc: · She runs a company called Sunshine Holidays.· a drug counselling service that is run by ex-addicts· Who really runs the country - the elected government or big business?well/badly/poorly etc run: · The voting process was smooth and, for the most part, well-run.state-run (=run by the government): · a state-run mental hospital
to be in charge of a business, especially one that is owned by someone else: · My husband manages a mill, 200 miles north of Bombay.· Managing four pizza outlets is extremely hard work.· The family business was skilfully managed by her elder brother, Michael.
if you head a company or activity, you are in charge of it: · Levy headed an investigation into the fund mismanagement.· The program is headed by an expert in teaching gifted and talented children.head up American informal: · Heading up the investigation into the crash is Officer Frank Foyle.
to be the person with responsibility for a large group or team that is working together on an important activity: · The drug raid was led by top officers.· Dr Jenkins leads a team of researchers at the Plant Institute.· A group of 80 planes, led by Lieutenant Commander Egusha, was on its way to attack.
to be in charge of a group of workers or students and be responsible for making sure that they do their work properly, especially by being with them to give instructions, answer questions etc: · At work, she supervises a production team of fifteen.· All volunteers are supervised by a qualified nurse.· The teacher's duties that morning included supervising the before-school reading program.
formal to be in charge of a group of workers, especially when this involves planning and organizing what they should do rather than being with them or giving instructions to them directly: · Team leaders and project managers oversee groups of programming staff.· Administrators oversee the testing of students, to place them in the appropriate classes.
to talk or write about a subject for the first time
· The first chapter introduces the terms and ideas which will be studied.· Einstein introduced his theory of relativity in 1915, in a scientific paper.
to begin to talk or write about a subject by talking about a similar subject first: · Her lecture began with a talk about her own experience, leading into a more general discussion.· Each Olympic event will be led into by sports experts explaining the format.
written to say or write something about your subject before you talk about the main part of it: · He prefaced his criticisms by saying there was much to admire in the work. preface with: · There are 45 tours, each prefaced with a historical overview of the area.
to be the leader
· Margaret Haley was the leader of the Chicago Teachers' Federation.· Dang was born, raised and schooled to be a future leader of his country.· Ken, who was two years older than I, was our leader.· Karekin is the spiritual leader of more than 6 million Armenians worldwide.
to be in charge of an organization, especially a political party, or to be in charge of a country: · For many years, India's Congress Party was led by Mrs Indira Gandhi.· Jaruzelski led the country's Communist regime for nine years.· 67% of voters said they would not trust him to lead the country.
someone's leadership is their ability to lead people: · His forceful personality concealed his weak leadership and poor political acumen. · We want to identify employees who have leadership potential.under somebody's leadership/under the leadership of: · The marketing department was much more focused under his leadership.· Harvard has a formidable team of black academics, working under the leadership of Henry Louis Gates.leadership style (=the way that someone behaves as a leader): · He took office in January and quickly established his leadership style.
if an organization is fronted by a particular person, they are the leader of that organization and often appear in public to represent that organization: · The organization is fronted by Keith Flynn, who has been associated with other political groups in the past.
to be the leader of a country - use this about kings, queens, and other leaders who are not elected: · Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 to 1547.· Mary, Queen of Scots, only ruled for six years.· At that time, Persia was divided into several provinces, ruled by local khans.
a lucky person
if you are lucky , good things happen to you and things go well for you, because you have good luck and not because of hard work, careful planning etc: · Isn't she lucky - she can eat what she wants and she never gets fat.· There are monkeys and zebra, and if you're lucky you might see a lion.lucky to do something: · I'm lucky to live in a nice house and be married to such a nice man.lucky (that): · Arthur left the front door unlocked - we're lucky that nothing was stolen.lucky with: · Apart from the sprained ankle, I've been very lucky with injuries (=I haven't had many).think/count yourself lucky (=used to say that someone should consider themselves lucky): · He should count himself lucky not to have been blamed for the whole fiasco.
lucky, especially when you are luckier than other people. Fortunate is more formal than lucky: · David managed to escape, but the others were not so fortunate.fortunate to do something: · I am fortunate to work in a school where all the children are extremely motivated.
British informal use this about someone who is lucky to be able to do something, when you are jealous because you would like to do it: · That jammy devil Steve has got out of the washing up again.
to be lucky, especially because you get the thing that you wanted although you did not really expect to get it: · You're in luck, there are still a few tickets left.· If you like Californian wine you could be in luck - we are giving away 100 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon.
you say some people have all the luck when you are talking about someone who is always very lucky, especially when you are jealous of their good luck: · It costs a fortune to buy a Porsche - some people have all the luck.
to be lucky all the time, so that although you are often in dangerous situations, it seems that nothing can harm you: · By his own admission he had led a charmed life. He had survived a train crash when he was seventeen.
British you say it's all right for some when you think someone else is lucky because they are enjoying themselves, having an easy life etc and you are jealous of them: · You're going to Hawaii? It's all right for some!· It's all right for some. I've got to stay in and work this evening.
to be lucky because you have the chance to do something you wanted to do or something that most other people do not have the chance to do: · I went along to the audition with everyone else, and was lucky enough to get the part.· In 1957 I had the good fortune to be invited on a lecture tour of Switzerland.
to be successful or get into a good situation as a result of good luck, especially after you have been experiencing difficulty: · Nathan had a series of jobs where he wasn't happy, but this time he's really fallen on his feet.· Don't worry about Nina -- she always falls on her feet.
to be lucky because you are in a particular place when something good is offered or becomes available: · "You did well to get that contract.'' "Not really, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.''· Being a successful news photographer is all about being in the right place at the right time.
American informal an expression meaning to be very lucky on a particular occasion: · I didn't have any idea what I was doing, but I lucked out and wound up with a good job.
to start an activity, job, speech etc by doing the first part of it
to do something as the first part of an activity or job: start by/begin by doing something: · There were two interviewers and they began by asking me questions about my last job.· When you're drawing a face, you should start by trying to imagine the bones underneath.
to think about, introduce, or deal with something as the first part of an activity: · If I were you, I'd start with the easy questions.· The lecturer began with a short account of the history of the UN.· Decorating the place was a huge job, and we started with the kitchen and the hall.
to start something such as a meeting or discussion by introducing a subject or speaking first: · Is there anyone here who would like to lead off the debate?· The Chief Executive led off by pointing out that a merger was only one option.lead off with: · We asked the sales director to lead off with the latest sales figures.
informal to do something as the first part of an activity or an event such as a party or a concert: · Let's kick off with an Indian meal somewhere, and go on to a club after that.kick off something with something: · Phelps kicked off an outstanding night's music with a beautifully played Mozart Symphony.
to take someone somewhere and show them where to go, what to look at etc
to take someone through or to a place that you know very well, showing them the way: guide somebody to/through/along etc: · Sammler was a huge help, guiding me through the dangers of the city streets.· The travellers were guided around the Hindu Kush by local people who had lived there all their lives.
to take a person or an animal to a place, especially by going in front of them: lead somebody to/through/along etc: · Our guide seemed to be leading us towards a wooded area in the distance.· He led Julia through the house to his study.· The police officer took her arm and led her gently away.lead the way: · In silence, Roland led the way back to the car.
to take someone to a place, such as a table in a restaurant or a hotel room, and leave them there: show somebody to something: · Could you show this gentleman to his table please.· I stood in the foyer, waiting to be shown to my apartment.
to take someone to a place such as a room or building, especially as part of your job: usher somebody into/to/towards etc: · At the front door stood two smart young men, who ushered the guests into the house.· Smiling, Smart ushered her to a waiting car outside.
to guide a large group of people in an orderly way: shepherd somebody up/along/to etc: · The police officer shepherded everyone away and padlocked the church gates.· We expected to be asked to sit down, but instead we were shepherded out to an open patio at the back of the house.
to trick someone and make them believe something that is not true
to make someone believe something that is not true, in order to get something from them or make them do something: · I realized then that I had been tricked, but it was too late.· I'm not trying to trick you - just answer the question.trick somebody into doing something: · The old man's sons had tricked him into signing the papers.trick somebody out of something (=take something from someone by tricking them): · A man posing as an insurance agent tricked her out of thousands of dollars.
informal to trick someone: · He was trying to con me, and I knew it.con somebody into doing something: · They conned the school district into buying the property.con somebody out of something (=take something from someone by tricking them): · She conned me out of $50.
especially written to make someone who trusts you believe something that is not true because it is useful for you if they believe it: · This was a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.· Many children's lies are unplanned and not actually designed to deceive.· All through the summer Paula was deceiving her husband while she was seeing another man.deceive somebody into doing something: · Thousands of home buyers were deceived into buying homes at inflated prices.deceive yourself: · If you think that everyone is happy with the plan, you're deceiving yourself.
to make someone believe something that is not true by using a clever but simple trick: · His hairpiece doesn't fool anyone.fool somebody into doing something: · They managed to fool the police into thinking they had left the country.have somebody fooled: · The brothers' act had us all fooled.you can't fool me spoken: · You can't fool me - I know he's already given you the money.fool yourself: · Maybe I was just fooling myself, but I really thought he liked me.
to make people believe something that is not true, by deliberately not giving them all the facts, or by saying something that is only partly true: · The report is a deliberate and obvious attempt to mislead.· They were accused of misleading customers about the nutritional value of their product.mislead somebody into doing something: · Agents are accused of misleading clients into signing up for savings plans that were actually insurance policies.
to trick someone into doing something that they will be punished for or embarrassed by: · He said, following his arrest last fall, that the FBI had set him up.· Terry and Donald think I set them up, but it's all a big misunderstanding.
informal to deceive someone, especially someone who is cleverer than you are, or someone who is not easily deceived: · That's the last time he puts one over on me!· Lawyers claim that the tobacco industry, by failing to tell everything it knew about smoking, was putting one over on its customers.
informal to deceive someone, usually by hiding some facts or information: · Don't try and pull the wool over my eyes - I can tell you've been smoking.· The politicians are just trying to pull the wool over voters' eyes again.
to make someone believe you and trust you, especially by making them think you are romantically interested in them: · I can't tell if he really cares about me or if he's just leading me on?· I didn't mean to lead Cassie on, but I didn't want to hurt her feelings either.
informal to deceive someone, especially so that you can get their money: · I'd already given him £50 when I realized he was taking me for a ride.· After the deal was signed, I felt like I'd been taken for a ride.
to cheat someone you pretended to be helping or working with, especially by helping their enemies: · I'm warning you - if you double-cross me, I'll kill you.· Harry and Danny double-crossed the gang and escaped with all the money.
informal to trick or deceive someone, especially so that they become involved in someone else's dishonest activity without realizing it: · The spies duped government and military officials alike.dupe somebody into doing something: · The perpetrators of the hoax managed to dupe respectable journalists into printing their story.
WORD SETS
ace, nounbaccarat, nounbid, nounblackjack, nounbridge, nouncanasta, nouncard, nouncard table, nouncontract bridge, nouncourt card, nouncrib, nouncribbage, nouncut, verbdeal, noundeal, verbdealer, noundeck, noundiscard, verbdiscard, noundummy, nounface card, nounflush, nounfull house, noungin rummy, noungrand slam, nounhand, nounjack, nounjoker, nounking, nounkitty, nounknave, nounlead, verboverbid, verbpack, nounpatience, nounpicture card, nounplaying card, nounpoker, nounpontoon, nounqueen, nounraise, verbrubber, nounrummy, nounrun, nounshuffle, verbshuffle, nounsnap, nounsnap, interjectionsolitaire, nounspade, nounstrip poker, nounsuit, nountrick, nountrump, nountrump, verbtwenty-one, nounwhist, nounwild, adjectivewild card, noun
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 The horses were led to safety.
 The manager led the way through the office.
 Some people say she is too old to lead the country (=be in charge of its government).
 Beckham led his team to victory.
 The investigation will be led by Inspector Scarfe. They are leading a campaign to warn teenagers about the dangers of drug abuse.
 The rebellion was led by the King’s brother.
 Nelson preferred to lead the attack himself from the front.
 a man who was born to lead
 Her trusting nature often led her into trouble.
 He had led everyone to believe that his family was very wealthy. The hotel was terrible, and not at all what we had been led to expect.
 Our research led us to the conclusion that the present system is unfair.
 He’s not a bad boy. He’s just easily led (=it is easy for other people to persuade him to do things that he should not do).
 US companies lead the world in biotechnology.
(=be the first to do something, and show other people how to do it) The Swedes have led the way in data protection.
 Nadal was leading by two sets.
 If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate).
 She now leads the life of a recluse.
(=deceive people by keeping different parts of your life separate and not letting anyone know the whole truth) Joe had been leading a double life, seeing an ex-model while his wife believed he was on business.
 They lead a nomadic existence.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(=acting the most important part)· Schwarzenegger was one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
· Their nuclear programme is causing mounting anxiety among other nations, especially Israel.
(=the main article)· Look at this leading article from Newsweek’s business section.
· The King now prepared to mount an attack on Granada.
(=either as lead singer or as a conductor)· He led his own band in Florida and played in clubs.
· Tax cuts sometimes lead to an economic boom.
· a leading brand such as Toshiba
· Money problems often cause marriage breakdown.
· In many cities prominent businessmen encouraged and financed city centre improvements.
· The government is leading a ‘walk to school’ campaign.
 The producer finally cast Finch in the male lead.
· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.
· Alec is the central character in the play.
(=in a play, film, or television series)· DiCaprio played the lead character in Titanic.
(=an important one)· The protests were led by leading citizens in the community.
· The anti-war protests led to violent clashes between police and demonstrators.
· The coalition was led by the Christian Democrats and the Socialists.
 a commanding lead
· Negotiations between the residents and the council led to a compromise.
(=make you decide that something is true)· All the data led to only one conclusion.
· The differing instructions led to confusion.
 Her album is a strong contender for the Album of the Year award.
· They offered a reward for information leading to the conviction of the killer.
· She became the first woman to lead the country.
· Any delay in calling an ambulance may have resulted in her death.
· The use of agricultural chemicals has led to a decline in water quality.
· The bad weather caused a three-hour delay in sending out rescue helicopters.
· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· Stress and worry both cause sleep difficulties.
· This is a policy that has caused an enormous amount of disagreement.
· It was pure chance that led to the discovery.
(=used to say what place is on the other side of a door)· This door leads into the garden.
 Marje had no idea that her husband was leading a double life with another woman.
 the scandal that led to the president’s downfall
· Poor farming practices have led to erosion of the soil.
(=cause something)· His assassination was one of the events that led to the First World War.
(=show people what they should do by doing it yourself)· The captain of the team should lead by example.
· The women lead a miserable existence.
(=one of the best and most respected)· He is one of the country’s leading experts on Islam.
 a leading exponent of desktop publishing
 Japan is a leading exporter of textiles.
 Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points.
(=make an animal, plant etc stop existing)· Exactly what caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?
 Environmentalists are urging the government to follow the lead of Scandinavian countries in this matter.
 He forged into the lead in the fourth set.
 The idea went down like a lead balloon (=was not popular or successful).
· Inadequate hygiene can lead to illness.
· They argue that the abolition of the death penalty has led to an increase in the number of murders.
· Too much government borrowing can lead to inflation.
(=live in a particular way)· You can change your eating habits and lead a healthier lifestyle.
(=an important member)· a discussion between leading members of the profession
(=help someone avoid problems)· Talk to a financial advisor, who can guide you through the minefield of stocks and shares.
· Hearing loss can cause misunderstandings, when what you say is not correctly heard.· Don’t just assume that you know what he means; that can lead to misunderstandings.
· He led the nation out of a depression and into a period of growth and prosperity.
(=one of the main opponents)· In July the authorities arrested two leading opponents of the government.
(=one of the main opponents, often influencing other people)· She was a leading opponent of gun control in the Senate.
(=the most important part)· Taking the lead part of Annie will be 11-year-old Zoe Jones.
· There are many paths leading to the top of the mountain.
(=caused by a particular substance) a case of alcohol poisoning
· The scandal ruined the careers of several leading politicians.
· Labour soon regained its lead in the polls.
· The good news is that we are ahead in the polls.
 Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view.
(=cause them)· The arrests sparked off violent street protests.
(=be ahead of everyone else)· He led the race from start to finish.
· He led a peasant rebellion against Catherine the Great.
· Hamilton regained the lead in the drivers' championship.
· He led a revolt against Constantine and acclaimed Maximus as emperor.
· We turned into the road leading to the village.
(=the most important role)· They take a leading role in discussions.
(=the most important role)· He had already cast Tom Hanks in the lead role.
· This policy could lead to utter ruin.
 He was Palace’s top scorer.
· The strike led to serious shortages of fuel in some areas.
 the lead singer (=main singer) of Slade
(=result in it)· This development led to speculation that she was about to resign.
(=the most important story in a newspaper or news programme)· The floods were the lead story on the news that evening.
· Many of his leading supporters had by now either escaped abroad or been captured.
(=in a race, competition etc)
· She was the doctor who led the surgical team.
· The Greenwich Foot Tunnel leads under the River Thames.
 The result gave the team an unassailable lead.
· Food shortages led to widespread social unrest.
· She led her team to victory in the finals.
(=be the most successful in the world)· Britain leads the world in defence electronics.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· All would lead to more computing capacity and larger brains.· Of course, this can lead to rather over-obvious themes, but this psychological necessity is a factor we can not ignore.· There might then be a further danger that the instructions will be ignored, leading to even greater disorder.· The Bill could lead to exactly the same kind of problem.· She always seemed to loathe it so ... what flirtation leads to.· Indeed, almost any investigation is likely to lead to results conditional on a range of alternative assumptions.· Whom should we therefore ban from public places for causing all the depression leading to so many suicides?· Small achievable tasks increase confidence, leading to more difficult tasks.
NOUN
· In Raynaud's disease, the blood supply to the fingers is faulty, leading to attacks of numbness and discomfort.· Khalid Ibn al-Walid, one of the most valiant of the great men, led the attack.· Residents fear a relocation at Hydebank could lead to another attack with massive blast damage being caused to nearby homes.· When the others had satisfied their hunger he led the attack.· He confirmed that Derby's Dean Saunders will lead the attack.· Andrei Krestyaninov, a commander of an elite rapid reaction force leading the attack, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.· Such blockages cause pains known as angina, and in severe cases can lead to a heart attack.· Mayhew led the ministerial attack with veiled sniper fire at Episcopalians for sending invaders to Congregational territory.
· Actress and animal lover, Damaris Hayman is leading a campaign to keep the animal collection in the Park.· They invited proponents and opponents and key people who were leading both campaigns....· Local councillor Peter Shephard, who led the campaign, has welcomed the positive moves to solve the problem.· Brown led the opposition campaign, and later criticized the media for creating a negative image of the Legislature.· Meanwhile, however, the lack of adequate community care facilities has led to a campaign to save the old mental hospitals.· Andy Nichols, who led the campaign for Prop 204, says the state is working out details on implementation.· In 1987 he had led a campaign for the extradition of drug traffickers.· Britain and the United States have been leading a global campaign against the junta's oppression of the country's 46m people.
· The commentator even remarked on the fact that the two loose horses leading the field had caused no hindrance.· He led the nation in field goal percentage for several weeks.· The Doctor and his companion were led across a field to an archaeological dig.· And so saying, he led me over the fields to his childhood home.· Only track I found led to a field where some men were dipping sheep.· M & S leads the field with an ankle-length wool coat at £99, while Top Shop's fitted version is £79.· Swanson and Percival continued to show excellent form, leading home their respective fields.
· This may lead to the whole group moving, tugged along by a complex web of bonds.· It is working well, one person leading the group, another checking the time, another taking notes.· It's hard driven, but Tommy is unmistakeably a jazz drummer, very crisp and energetic and clearly leading the group.· Who succeeds in forming and leading a Great Group?· In the 1980s he began leading his own group, District 6.· He also lacked experience leading a large group, and he was sometimes abrasive and patronizing.· He then led his own groups, and played and arranged for Hot Lips Page in 1941.· Currently, he leads an investment group that has reacquired Canary Wharf from a bank consortium.
· Sometimes I imagined that he'd sneaked back into the country and was leading another life.· Third world towns and cities contain large numbers of women who may lead lives very different from those of their rural counterparts.· His argument was simple: if we all led pure lives, there would be no need for this bloodshed.· So long as the proper dose of insulin is administered on a regular basis, diabetics can generally lead normal lives.· Jenny Wilson was an ordinary woman, leading an ordinary life, had an ordinary job in an ordinary town.· Having led sheltered lives in the North, they had never had to scrape to get ahead.· But all teachers are concerned about their own level of stress, and how to lead a satisfying working life.· These women ask for little and lead very simple lives.
· As a junior, she led her team to the state championships.· I lead a team of ten, dispersed around the region.· The production manager attends a two-week training course in Atlanta on leading work-unit teams.· The underwriter led the team and was charged with full authority to approve or disapprove applications.· Kerr scored 21 points to lead the team in scoring for only the seventh time in his five Chicago seasons.
· She led the way, hobbling on arthritic knees and ankles, into her sitting-room whose windows looked down on the street.· Even the man credited with emancipating the slaves thanked this social entrepreneur for leading the way.· A goatherd leads the way, followed by his unique white Appenzell goats.· They had led the way to California in the new West, the fastest-growing center of political power and money.· Silver and Bigwig led the way, with Hazel and Buckthorn a short distance behind.· After all Bilbo is right about the road outside Bag End leading all the way to Mordor.· Cram Liverpool drivers will lead the way to a weekend festival celebrating the Mini in the Lake District next week.· Northampton General and the Princess Margaret lead the way with 16 percent.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► lead somebody up the garden path► lead somebody astray► lead nowhere/not lead anywhere
  • Harman leads by example, putting his time in on the production line.
  • It is best to lead by example and with support.
  • Longfellows captain Billy McKibben led by example as his team got home 7-2 against the Strikers.
  • Skipper Alan Kernaghan led by example at the heart of defence and Andy Peake did an excellent job against his former team.
  • That is surely leading by example!
  • They are the people who lead by example.
  • They never preached about it, but just led by example.
  • Top management will be seen to lead by example.
  • He let her lead him by the nose.
  • Anything less than that leads to what the theistic traditions frequently refer to as idolatry.
  • But the priority is to get off a path that leads to more and more isolation.
  • It is this that leads to the dependency culture predominant among deaf people in integrated education.
  • It was a straight road, the kind of road that leads to a temple or a sacred monument.
  • So that leads me to think that these sorts of events are not particularly uncommon.
  • Then the operatives are more likely to make mistakes when set-ups are constantly changing, and that leads to increased wastage.
  • This is the scene that leads to the Giza plateau.
  • Those same lessons apply to changing our attitude from one that leads to failure to one that leads to success.
► somebody has their own life to lead► lead somebody a merry old dance/a right old dance
  • It is therefore more than ever necessary that the recovery should be export-led rather than led by domestic consumption.
  • More thick dry stone arches connect the two ruins and lead the eye into a singular landscape.
  • The lawn itself has been built up from strong flowing curves and these naturally lead the eye away from those rectangular boundaries.
  • Andy leads off up large, friable flakes, hair plastered to his head but now mercifully sheltered.
  • Bruins coach Steve Kasper led off.
  • He retired the first 12 men he faced before David Justice led off the fifth with a double.
  • Newman spotted the track leading off to the right and swung away from the main road.
  • On the first floor, leading off a covered balcony, were the chambers of the fellows and scholars.
  • Ramirez led off, and Mussina needed 13 pitches to strike him out.
  • The other came after his walk to lead off the ninth with the score tied at seven.
  • Then he violently shoved her down the small flight of stairs that led off their bedroom to the bathroom.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
  • Claudio is the false friend who leads Leonardo astray into drinking and gambling.
  • Gardeners shouldn't be led astray by these ideas.
  • Parents complained that teachers were leading students astray by discussing contraception and abortion in the classroom.
  • Pfeiffer plays a virtuous woman who is led astray.
  • They're afraid their son will be led astray by the older boys.
  • It has become a case of the blind leading the blind.
  • This is called the blind leading the blind.
  • Allen led the charge, but could they get a goal back?
  • But Dole has, in his long Senate career, led the charge for the second -, third-and fourth-largest.
  • But it is unrealistic to expect businesses to lead the charge alone.
  • But it was Lieutenant Harvey who was still leading the charge as he hurdled elegantly over the wire and into no-man's-land.
  • C., to lead the charge against the Bay Guardian.
  • Its guitar-twanging shock troops led the charge away from what Ulan Bator had been, and toward what it was becoming.
  • Popper led the charge against, describing Wittgenstein s picture theory of language as hopelessly and indeed outrageously mistaken.
  • But since its premier issue in January 1993, Wired has led a charmed life.
  • By his own admission he has led a charmed life.
  • It's been too easy for us; we've led charmed lives till now.
  • No wonder that she and Charles felt that they led a charmed life, that the times were on their side.
  • But this time Carlos Sainz, who had held the lead since Tuesday, came third in a Toyota.
  • In race one, Hodgson was able to get a better run through the backmarkers and hold the lead to the line.
  • New Zealand held the lead for long periods and their frequent advantages depended on the only try of the match.
  • She held the lead and quietly plodded upward through the crisp snow that covered the long Baskan Glacier.
  • She held the lead in her gloved hands; behind her was Selene, with hers protected by a muff.
  • I hear that all the older boys are driving big expensive cars and living the life of Riley.
  • Mrs. Shaewitz is a leading light in the local drama society.
  • By 1991, it was a leading light in outlandish front suspension concepts.
  • On renouncing alcohol he was pardoned and he set sail for Darlington where he became a leading light in the Society.
  • She loves gym workouts, swimming and playing netball - she is a leading light in a local women's team.
► lead on, Macduff► be leading the pack/be ahead of the pack
  • Your mam, you now, she wouldn't believe but that I was swinging the lead all those years.
  • But one thing leads to another, and Sister Helen finds herself challenged to put her beliefs on the line.
  • I know that and I do understand why, but one thing leads to another, you know how it is.
  • You can be sure one thing leads to another.
Word family
WORD FAMILYnounleadleaderleadershipadjectiveleadleadingverblead
1take somebody somewhere [intransitive, transitive usually + adverb/preposition] to take someone somewhere by going in front of them while they follow, or by pulling them gentlylead somebody to/into etc something A nurse took her arm and led her to a chair. The horses were led to safety.lead somebody away/down etc She was led away from the courtroom in tears. The manager led the way through the office.► see thesaurus at take2go in front [intransitive, transitive] to go in front of a line of people or vehicles:  A firetruck was leading the parade.3be in charge [intransitive, transitive] to be in charge of an organization, country, or team, or a group of people who are trying to do something:  He has led the party for over twenty years. Some people say she is too old to lead the country (=be in charge of its government). Beckham led his team to victory.lead an investigation/inquiry/campaign The investigation will be led by Inspector Scarfe. They are leading a campaign to warn teenagers about the dangers of drug abuse.lead a revolt/rebellion/coup etc The rebellion was led by the King’s brother.lead an attack/assault Nelson preferred to lead the attack himself from the front. a man who was born to lead a communist-led strike4cause something to happen [intransitive, transitive] to cause something to happen or cause someone to do somethinglead to the events that led to the start of the First World War A degree in English could lead to a career in journalism.lead somebody into something Her trusting nature often led her into trouble.lead somebody to do something What led him to kill his wife?lead to somebody doing something His actions could lead to him losing his job.5cause somebody to believe something [transitive] to make someone believe something, especially something that is not truelead somebody to believe/expect/understand something He had led everyone to believe that his family was very wealthy. The hotel was terrible, and not at all what we had been led to expect. Our research led us to the conclusion that the present system is unfair.6influence [transitive] to influence someone to make them do something that is wronglead somebody into something His brother led him into a life of crime. He’s not a bad boy. He’s just easily led (=it is easy for other people to persuade him to do things that he should not do).7be more successful [transitive] to be more successful than other people, companies, or countries in a particular activitylead the world/market/pack/field US companies lead the world in biotechnology.lead the way (=be the first to do something, and show other people how to do it) The Swedes have led the way in data protection. → leading1(1)8be winning [intransitive, transitive] to be winning a game, competition etc OPP  lose:  At half-time, Brazil led 1–0. With 15 laps to go, Schumacher led the race. The polls showed Obama leading Romney by 3 percent.lead by ten points/two goals etc Nadal was leading by two sets.9path/door etc [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] used to say where a path, wire etc goes or what place is on the other side of a doorlead to/towards The path led down to a small lake.lead from/out of the major artery leading from the heartlead into the door leading into the hallwaylead somebody to/into something The riverside path leads visitors to a small chapel.10life [transitive] if you lead a particular kind of life, that is what your life is likelead a normal/quiet/busy etc life If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate).lead a life of luxury/poverty etclead the life of a ... She now leads the life of a recluse.lead a double life (=deceive people by keeping different parts of your life separate and not letting anyone know the whole truth) Joe had been leading a double life, seeing an ex-model while his wife believed he was on business. They lead a nomadic existence.11discussion etc [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to control the way a discussion, conversation etc develops:  I tried to lead the conversation back to the subject of money.12lead somebody up the garden path informal to deliberately deceive someone13lead somebody astray a)to encourage someone to do bad or immoral things which they would not normally do b)to make someone believe something that is not true14lead nowhere/not lead anywhere to not produce any useful result:  So far police investigations seem to have led nowhere.15lead by example to show the people you are in charge of what you want them to do by doing it yourself:  The best managers lead by example.16lead somebody by the nose to influence someone so much that you can completely control everything that they do:  Politicians think they can easily lead people by the nose.17this/that leads (me) to something used to introduce a new subject that is connected to the previous one:  That leads me to my final point. Where are we going to get the money?18somebody has their own life to lead used to say that someone wants to be able to live their life independently, without having to do things that other people want them to do19lead somebody a merry old dance/a right old dance British English to cause a lot of problems or worries for someone20market-led/export-led etc most influenced by the market, by exports etc:  an export-led economic recovery21lead the eye if a picture, view etc leads the eye in a particular direction, it makes you look in that direction:  marble columns that lead the eye upward22card game [intransitive, transitive] to play a particular card as your first card in one part of a card gameTHESAURUSlead to take a person or animal somewhere by going in front of them while they follow, or by pulling them gently: · Rachel led Jo into the kitchen.· She was leading a horse, which seemed to have a bad leg.take to take someone somewhere with you when you have the transport, know the way, are paying etc: · I took her to see a film.· Matt’s taking me in his car.guide to take someone through or to a place you know, showing them the way: · Ali guided us through the streets to his house on the edge of the town.show to take someone to a place such as a table in a restaurant or a hotel room and leave them there: · A waitress showed us to our table.· We were shown to our seats near the front of the theatre.point to show someone which direction to go using your hand or a sign: · The sign back there pointed this way.escort to take someone somewhere, protecting them, guarding them, or showing them the way: · He was escorted from the court by police.· The president’s car will be escorted by a military convoy.usher to show someone the way to a room or building nearby, usually as part of your job: · His housekeeper ushered us into the living room.shepherd to carefully take someone somewhere – used especially about a group of people: · The police shepherded thousands of people to safety in the cathedral.direct formal to tell someone where to go or how to get somewhere: · He directed us to a café a few blocks away.· Can you direct me to the station?lead off phrasal verb1to start a meeting, discussion, performance etc by saying or doing something:  I’d like to lead off by thanking Rick for coming.lead off with The French team led off with two quick goals in the first five minutes.lead something ↔ off Hal led the evening off with some folk songs.2 lead off (something) if a road, room etc leads off a place, you can go directly from that place along that road, into that room etclead off from something He pointed down a street leading off from the square. a large room, with doors leading off it in all directions3to be the first player to try to hit the ball in an inning (=period of play) in a game of baseballlead somebody on phrasal verb to deceive someone, especially to make them think you love them:  He thought she loved him, but in fact she was just leading him on.lead on to something (also lead onto something) phrasal verb especially British English to cause something to develop or become possible at a later time:  Alan Turing’s work led onto the development of modern computers.lead with something phrasal verb1if a newspaper or television programme leads with a particular story, that story is the main one:  The ‘Washington Post’ leads with the latest news from Israel.2to use a particular hand to begin an attack in boxing, or a particular foot to begin a dance:  Adam led with his left and punched his opponent on the jaw.lead up to something phrasal verb1if a series of events or a period of time leads up to an event, it comes before it or causes it:  the weeks that led up to her death the events leading up to his dismissal2to gradually introduce an embarrassing, upsetting, or surprising subject into a conversation:  She had already guessed what he was leading up to.
lead1 verblead2 nounlead3 noun
leadlead2 ●●○ S3 W2 noun Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • High levels of lead were discovered in the soil in Skagway.
  • The police have no leads in the murder investigation.
  • Tucker got a belly full of lead.
  • Who's playing the lead in the school play?
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • The wall was covered with scrawls done with a bit of pencil lead.
  • There were no clues, no leads, no moves to be made.
  • Two-goal Dave Mitchell fired Swindon into an early lead.
  • We got our cherry popped that day, and my platoon was in the lead.
Thesaurus
Longman Language Activatorwhen a play, film etc has a particular actor in it
if an actor stars in a play or film, he or she is one of the most important actors in it; if a play or film stars an actor, he or she plays one of the most important characters in it: · The film stars Patricia Arquette and is directed by Steven Brill.· Director Jane Campion's latest film, which stars Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel, was one of the highlights of the New York Film Festival.star in: · Danny Aiello stars in this comedy about New York's first big lottery winner. · Hollywood heart-throb Keanu Reeves is set to star in a true story based on a newspaper article from the Times.
if two or more actors co-star in a play or film, they are equally important actors in it; if a play or film co-stars two or more people, they play the most important characters in it : · The movie co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Elle Macpherson and Ben Stiller.co-star in: · Annette Bening co-starred in movies such as 'Valmont', 'Postcards from the Edge' and 'Regarding Henry'.
to act the most important part in a play or film: · Calloway played the lead in the New Federal Theater's production of 'The Louis Armstrong Story'.· He got an unexpected chance to play the lead after the film's original star fell ill.
to act in a film or play, especially as one of the most important actors: · More than 60 youngsters will perform in the play at Old Town Theater in Los Gatos.· Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh appeared together in 'Gone with the Wind'.
if a play or film features an actor, they are in it: · The play features two young actresses.· The original 'Star Trek' series, featuring William Shatner as Capt. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, lasted three years.
used when saying who is in a play, film etc: · Have you seen 'The Sixth Sense' with Bruce Willis?· Dawson is now producing a stage version of the story with a cast of young actors from New York.
if someone is in a play or film as a particular character, they act the part of that character: · Clint Eastwood was excellent as the strong, silent hero in his many westerns.· Paul McGann will star as a middle-class Jewish lawyer in a new BBC drama called 'Fish'.
to do the same as someone else does
to do the same things that someone else does, especially in order to look like them or be like them: · Children learn swearing from copying their parents and siblings.· Martin often claimed he copied Bing Crosby's singing style, but there was much more to his music than that.
to copy the way someone behaves, speaks, writes, or moves, especially because you admire them or want to be like them: · "Don't you talk to me like that!" she said imitating her mother's high-pitched voice.· A lot of writers have tried to imitate Lawrence's style.
to pretend to be someone else by copying the way they talk, walk, dress etc, especially in order to make people think you are really the other person: · Harmon is charged with impersonating a police officer.· She makes a living out of impersonating Tina Turner in shows and films.
to imitate someone's behaviour, in a way that other people think is stupid or silly: · His music attempts to ape classical styles, but the results are not very original.· California wine makers are trying to do new things with Sauvignon blanc instead of just aping French styles.
informal to do the same things as someone else, especially in order to learn from them: · Just watch and do what I do. It's pretty easy.
to copy what someone else has done because you think that their behaviour or actions were a good idea: · Brian persuaded his brothers to follow his example and join the navy.· Following the example of Nixon, a politician he greatly admired, he decided to try to make himself more appealing to voters.
to do something that someone else has done before you, especially someone in a more powerful position than you: · My father was always disappointed that Joey didn't follow in his footsteps and take over the farm.· We will watch with interest what happens to these two women officers and to the young women who wish to follow in their footsteps.
to do what someone else has just done because it seems the correct thing to do: · We're hoping that Europe will follow the US's lead and ban all use of these poisonous gases.· Because the Black community has long experience with civil rights issues, other minority groups may follow its lead.· Other oil companies are expected to follow suit and raise prices before the end of the month.
to be winning a game, race etc that has not yet finished
to have more points or votes than your opponents in a game or election, or to be at the front in a race when the game, race etc has not yet finished: · Senna was winning when the race was brought to a halt because of a crash.be winning something: · It looked as though Bush was winning the election battle.
to be winning a game, race, election etc: · The High School team were leading with 60 points.· The Dolphins are still in the lead with only 2 minutes left to play.lead by 10 points/three meters etc: · Agassi was leading by two sets when rain stopped play.
to be doing better than someone else in a game, competition, race, or election: · She was still ahead in the polls just a week before the election.be ahead of: · Waylan was ahead of Miller by three shots.put somebody ahead: · Shortly afterwards Smith put the Dodgers ahead with a stunning home run.be 12 points/5 games etc ahead: · Damon Hill is now 14 points ahead of his nearest rival.by way ahead: · By the final lap, Molly was way ahead of all the other girls.be ahead by 12 points/5 games etc: · Houston was ahead by 3 points at half-time.
WORD SETS
AC, accessory, nounadapter, nounaerosol, nounalarm, nounarm, nounash, nounattaché case, nounbag, nounbar, nounbarrel, nounbeep, verbbeeswax, nounbell, nounbelly, nounbelt, nounbench, nounbenzine, nounbinding, nounbiro, nounbolt, nounbooth, nounbox, nounbox, verbbrad, nounbriefcase, nounbristle, nounbrolly, nounbrush, nounbucket, nounbuckle, nounbuffer, nounbulb, nounBulldog clip, nounbulletin board, nounbullhorn, nounbung, nounbunting, nounbusiness card, nounbutt, nounbutton, nounbuzzer, nouncable, nouncalling card, nouncan, nouncandle, nouncane, nouncarbon, nouncarbon copy, nouncarbon paper, nouncard, nouncardboard, nouncardboard, adjectivecardboard cut-out, nouncard catalog, nouncarrier, nouncarrier bag, nouncarryall, nouncart, nouncarton, nouncartridge, nouncase, nouncaster, nouncatch, nounCellophane, nouncesspit, nounchain, nounchalice, nounchannel, nounchart, nounchute, nouncitronella, nounclamp, nouncleat, nounclip, nounclipboard, nouncomb, nouncombination lock, nouncompartment, nouncord, nouncrank, nouncrate, nouncrepe paper, nouncycle, noundetector, noundial, noundigital, adjectivedisposable, adjectivedrape, verbdrawing pin, noundryer, noundurable goods, nounDurex, nounearplug, nounelastic band, nouneraser, nouneyelet, nounfabric, nounfelt-tip pen, nounfemale, adjectivefence, nounfiberglass, nounfibreglass, nounfigurine, nounfilament, nounfile, verbFilofax, nounfire extinguisher, nounfirewood, nounfitness, nounflag, nounflagon, nounflagstaff, nounflashlight, nounflat, adjectivefloodlight, nounfoam, nounfoam, verbfog, verbfolder, nounfoolscap, nounforecourt, nounfountain, nounfountain pen, nounframe, nounfunnel, nounfuse, noungadget, noungadgetry, noungargle, verbgas, nounglue, noungoggles, noungold card, noungranny knot, noungravel, noungravelled, adjectivegravelly, adjectivegrease, noungreetings card, noungrommet, noungum, noungun, noungunnysack, noungut, nounhand-held, adjectivehandle, nounhandloom, nounharness, nounhasp, nounhealth, nounhessian, nounhinge, nounhip, nounhoarding, nounhoist, nounholder, nounhook, nounhoop, nounhooter, nounhose, nounhosepipe, nounhub, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveillness, nounindented, adjectiveinflatable, adjectiveingrained, adjectiveink, nouninn, nouninnkeeper, nouninsoluble, adjectiveivory, nounjacket, nounjack-knife, nounjoss stick, nounjuggle, verbkey, nounkeypad, nounkey ring, nounKleenex, nounknife, nounknob, nounlabel, nounladder, nounlantern, nounlatch, nounlatchkey, nounlather, nounlather, verbLCD, nounlead, nounlectern, nounlegal pad, nounlens, nounletterbox, nounlever, nounlibrary, nounlid, nounlidded, adjectivelift, nounlight, nounlight bulb, nounlink, nounlinseed oil, nounlitter bin, nounlock, nounlodestone, nounlog, nounloop, verblost property, nounmagnet, nounmagnetic, adjectivemagnifying glass, nounmale, adjectivemantle, nounmanual, adjectivemarker, nounmarker pen, nounmarket day, nounmast, nounmastic, nounmatchstick, nounmaterial, nounmeter, nounmeths, nounmode, nounmortar, nounmortise lock, nounmould, nounmounting, nounmovement, nounnail, nounnameplate, nounnet, nounnib, nounnipple, nounnon-standard, adjectivenoose, nounnotebook, nounnotepad, nounnoticeboard, nounnozzle, nounnut, nounoil, verboilcan, nounoily, adjectiveorb, nounoutfit, nounoutlet, nounovernight, adverbpack, verbpackage, nounpad, nounpad, verbpadlock, nounpaintwork, nounpantyliner, nounpaper, nounpaperclip, nounpasserby, nounpaste, verbpasteboard, nounpatron, nounpatronage, nounpatronize, verbpattern, nounpaving, nounpearl, nounpen, nounpenknife, nounpicket fence, nounpillbox, nounpince-nez, nounpinhead, nounpipe, nounpix, nounpizza parlor, nounplug, nounpocket, nounpocketbook, nounpocket calculator, nounpocket knife, nounpointer, nounpoison, nounpole, nounportfolio, nounPost-it, nounpowder, nounpowdered, adjectivepropellant, nounpropelling pencil, nounpump-action, adjectivePX, nounquarter, verbrack, nounreceptionist, nounreel, nounrefill, nounreflector, nounrefrigerate, verbregimen, nounreservation, nounreserve, verbsachet, nounsack, nounscratchpad, nounscratch paper, nounscreen, nounsealant, nounsealer, nounsearchlight, nounseason ticket, nounseat, nounself-assembly, adjectiveseptic tank, nounservice, nounservice, verbsetting, nounshade, nounsharpener, nounshovel, nounshovel, verbshovelful, nounsilver paper, nounsiphon, nounslat, nounslice, verbslot machine, nounslug, nounsmoke, nounsoot, nounsort, nounspare part, nounspigot, nounsponge, nounspool, nounspout, nounspray, nounspray can, nounspray paint, nounspring, nounstaff, nounstake, nounstalk, nounstandard, nounstaple, nounstapler, nounstationery, nounsteam, nounsteam clean, verbsteel, nounsteel wool, nounstepladder, nounstick, verbstick, nounsticker, nounstilt, nounstopper, nounstorm lantern, nounstrap, nounstreamer, nounstring, nounstub, nounsucker, nounSuperglue, nounswipe, verbswitch, nounswivel, nountab, nountack, nountag, nountag, verbtank, nountap, nountape, nountassel, nountattle, verbtea break, nounthong, nounthread, nountime-saving, adjectivetinder, nountinderbox, nountissue, nountop, nountote bag, nountowel, verbtray, nountrolley, nountube, nountubing, nountwine, nountwo-way mirror, nounumbrella, nounvent, nounvial, nounwaiting room, nounwasher, nounwaste paper, nounwatch, nounwaterspout, nounwheeled, adjectivewhistle, verbwooden, adjectivewriting paper, noun
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
· He was in the lead after the first lap of the race.
· He has a one-shot lead in the golf tournament.
(=start being in the lead instead of someone else)· Lewis Hamilton has just taken the lead in the Monaco Grand Prix.
(=make someone be in the lead)· Ronaldo’s goal put Portugal in the lead.
(=make someone be in the lead)· A goal in the 10th minute gave England the lead.
(=make the lead bigger)· The Australian rugby team extended its lead with a try from Stirling Mortlock.
(=to lose the lead)· Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead.
informal (=to lose the lead)· They managed to blow a 22-point lead.
(=when more than one player or team is in the lead)· At the end of the first round, two golfers share the lead.
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + lead
· The Bruins had a big lead at half-time.
· The ruling Labour Party has a clear lead in the opinion polls.
(=a big lead)· The Wildcats had a comfortable lead in the first half.
(=a big lead)· Alonso raced into a commanding lead.
(=a lead early in a game, election etc)· Liverpool took an early lead with a goal from Steven Gerrard.
(=a lead of a specific amount)· Goals by Keane and Lennon gave Tottenham a two-goal lead.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(=acting the most important part)· Schwarzenegger was one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
· Their nuclear programme is causing mounting anxiety among other nations, especially Israel.
(=the main article)· Look at this leading article from Newsweek’s business section.
· The King now prepared to mount an attack on Granada.
(=either as lead singer or as a conductor)· He led his own band in Florida and played in clubs.
· Tax cuts sometimes lead to an economic boom.
· a leading brand such as Toshiba
· Money problems often cause marriage breakdown.
· In many cities prominent businessmen encouraged and financed city centre improvements.
· The government is leading a ‘walk to school’ campaign.
 The producer finally cast Finch in the male lead.
· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.
· Alec is the central character in the play.
(=in a play, film, or television series)· DiCaprio played the lead character in Titanic.
(=an important one)· The protests were led by leading citizens in the community.
· The anti-war protests led to violent clashes between police and demonstrators.
· The coalition was led by the Christian Democrats and the Socialists.
 a commanding lead
· Negotiations between the residents and the council led to a compromise.
(=make you decide that something is true)· All the data led to only one conclusion.
· The differing instructions led to confusion.
 Her album is a strong contender for the Album of the Year award.
· They offered a reward for information leading to the conviction of the killer.
· She became the first woman to lead the country.
· Any delay in calling an ambulance may have resulted in her death.
· The use of agricultural chemicals has led to a decline in water quality.
· The bad weather caused a three-hour delay in sending out rescue helicopters.
· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· Stress and worry both cause sleep difficulties.
· This is a policy that has caused an enormous amount of disagreement.
· It was pure chance that led to the discovery.
(=used to say what place is on the other side of a door)· This door leads into the garden.
 Marje had no idea that her husband was leading a double life with another woman.
 the scandal that led to the president’s downfall
· Poor farming practices have led to erosion of the soil.
(=cause something)· His assassination was one of the events that led to the First World War.
(=show people what they should do by doing it yourself)· The captain of the team should lead by example.
· The women lead a miserable existence.
(=one of the best and most respected)· He is one of the country’s leading experts on Islam.
 a leading exponent of desktop publishing
 Japan is a leading exporter of textiles.
 Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points.
(=make an animal, plant etc stop existing)· Exactly what caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?
 Environmentalists are urging the government to follow the lead of Scandinavian countries in this matter.
 He forged into the lead in the fourth set.
 The idea went down like a lead balloon (=was not popular or successful).
· Inadequate hygiene can lead to illness.
· They argue that the abolition of the death penalty has led to an increase in the number of murders.
· Too much government borrowing can lead to inflation.
(=live in a particular way)· You can change your eating habits and lead a healthier lifestyle.
(=an important member)· a discussion between leading members of the profession
(=help someone avoid problems)· Talk to a financial advisor, who can guide you through the minefield of stocks and shares.
· Hearing loss can cause misunderstandings, when what you say is not correctly heard.· Don’t just assume that you know what he means; that can lead to misunderstandings.
· He led the nation out of a depression and into a period of growth and prosperity.
(=one of the main opponents)· In July the authorities arrested two leading opponents of the government.
(=one of the main opponents, often influencing other people)· She was a leading opponent of gun control in the Senate.
(=the most important part)· Taking the lead part of Annie will be 11-year-old Zoe Jones.
· There are many paths leading to the top of the mountain.
(=caused by a particular substance) a case of alcohol poisoning
· The scandal ruined the careers of several leading politicians.
· Labour soon regained its lead in the polls.
· The good news is that we are ahead in the polls.
 Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view.
(=cause them)· The arrests sparked off violent street protests.
(=be ahead of everyone else)· He led the race from start to finish.
· He led a peasant rebellion against Catherine the Great.
· Hamilton regained the lead in the drivers' championship.
· He led a revolt against Constantine and acclaimed Maximus as emperor.
· We turned into the road leading to the village.
(=the most important role)· They take a leading role in discussions.
(=the most important role)· He had already cast Tom Hanks in the lead role.
· This policy could lead to utter ruin.
 He was Palace’s top scorer.
· The strike led to serious shortages of fuel in some areas.
 the lead singer (=main singer) of Slade
(=result in it)· This development led to speculation that she was about to resign.
(=the most important story in a newspaper or news programme)· The floods were the lead story on the news that evening.
· Many of his leading supporters had by now either escaped abroad or been captured.
(=in a race, competition etc)
· She was the doctor who led the surgical team.
· The Greenwich Foot Tunnel leads under the River Thames.
 The result gave the team an unassailable lead.
· Food shortages led to widespread social unrest.
· She led her team to victory in the finals.
(=be the most successful in the world)· Britain leads the world in defence electronics.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· The bigger the lead of one superpower, the harder the other tries to catch up.· On 23 June the Gaullists took a big lead in the first round of the elections.· She is always silent during halftime, even when the Ducks have a big lead and the others are loose and joking.· They lost concentration at times with a big lead behind them.· On this night, the Orangemen built a big early lead and the Panthers couldn't recover.· Long Beach went on an 18-6 run to open its biggest lead, 77-49, in the fourth quarter.· This is a big lead for Bush, and it could get bigger before it gets smaller.
· After two rounds, Duvergel had a comfortable lead on points with the gold medal plainly in sight.· Barnes added a further penalty to give Portadown a comfortable 10-0 lead at half-time.· Another penalty from Roberts gave Gloucester a comfortable half-time lead.· With his comfortable lead, Dole has pulled back on some of his campaign plans for the state.· While Clinton has a comfortable lead over Dole in recent national surveys, the Kansas senator is expected to win Texas.
· On this night, the Orangemen built a big early lead and the Panthers couldn't recover.· Two-goal Dave Mitchell fired Swindon into an early lead.· It left her six shots off an early lead held by Colleen Walker.· This is just what Jody likes, aggressive first-half play, a big early lead.· Netscape held the early lead in the category, but Microsoft has made considerable gains more recently.
· Sam, 26, played the female lead in a version of the movie hit Grease.· The trio of female leads are all outstanding.· So far no progress with the female lead.· She was the female lead and therefore a rival.· Glenda Jackson had already been approached for the female lead.
· But Mr Frobisher, who had been having trouble with his male leads, assured us he was just what was needed.
· In those days I don't think there was an average looking or homely looking person playing romantic leads.· Woody Allen has been a romantic lead.· He still looked like a romantic lead.· But he's singing like a romantic lead.
NOUN
· Peschisllibo ravaged Derby's defence in an exhilarating first half when Birmingham rocketed into a three goal lead.
· To enter, simply answer this question: What is the name of Extreme's heart-throb lead guitarist?· The band includes lead guitarist Chris Floyd, a former Leesburg city commissioner.· Then, as Mike became more and more the lead guitarist, I played more and more bass.
· That is why so small a group of internationally powerful banks are repeatedly chosen as lead managers.· The lead manager for the issue was Lehman Brothers.· The note issue was handled by Lehman Brothers as lead manager.· The roles were not necessarily distinct; the lead manager may also be an underwriter and a seller.
· But they just about deserved their 10-point lead at the interval.· Some one apparently did get to the Raiders, who soared out to a 10-point lead in the third quarter.· In the latest round of polls, Peres holds a 5 percentage point lead over Netanyahu.· Aintree and Fazakerley have opened up a six point lead in the second division with 35 from six matches.· A crucial conversion from Nick Marment gave Gloucester a flimsy one point lead.· The subs have allowed the twenty-two-point lead to dwindle to sixteen.
· She was approached for the lead role in a Hollywood production to be directed by Steven Spielberg.· Many local chambers of commerce are already taking a lead role in this process.· Four actors were initially tested for the lead role of Joe Buck, among whom Michael Sarrazin was first choice.· Salomon Brothers will take a lead role in the international share offer, the statement said.· In mainland Britain MI5 now has the lead role in intelligence gathering.
· She was lead singer in the Black and White Minstrel Show during the 70s.· But it is difficult to take him seriously because he looks like he should be the lead singer for Oasis.· He's our lead singer, or rather I should say he was.· The lead singer, have you seen his hair?· The floppy fringes and pouting lips of the respective lead singers are another story entirely.· To enter our super competition simply answer this question: What is the name of Marillion's lead singer?
· The big lead story was fascinating.· The anchor reads the lead story.· It was the main lead story and was written by one of the paper's most respected journalists.· The proposals were the main lead story on Independent Television's news on the night of 16 December 1968!· Understandably, her death was the lead story on the nightly news that evening.· The candidates had been asked to supply a dummy paper with a lead story and some idea of content.· Riley had won his argument: the lead story was the recapture of Sniffy Wilson.
VERB
· The poll also shows the Tories have cut Labour's lead from nine to six points over the past month.· The Raptors cut the lead to 5, but could get no closer.· Once Smith's penalty goal had cut the Cambridge lead to two points Oxford appeared to be in the driving seat.· New York cut the Dolphin lead to 24-17 with a 43-yard touchdown run by Adrian Murrell with 7: 37 left.· It has also cut manufacturing lead times from 17 weeks to two and trebled output per operator.· We have cut airborne lead by 50 percent.· The benefit of the first method is that it cuts total lead time while leaving each individual stage length unchanged.
· Firebrands beat Swindon 3-0 to extend a seven-point lead at the West League's winter break.· In the second half, the Mustangs were able to extend their lead to 30 with a more up-tempo offense.· Birkenhead St Mary's extended their lead at the top as the nearest challengers Sutton and Aigburth lost.· Ball then kicked a penalty before Neath extended their lead with a try from John Davies.· Ball kicked another penalty shortly before half-time to extend the lead to 14-6.
· Without external evidence of a transformation, other states had little or no reason to follow de Gaulle's lead.· The 64-page report recommended that all military education programs follow the lead of the service academies and provide intensified ethics training.· He hesitated, but followed my lead.· His characters tend to follow his lead.· I award Bridgemere my Gold Medal for environmental responsibility and I just hope other growers and private gardeners follow its lead.· The community appears to have followed his lead, even as a nation longs for answers.· His eyes narrowed slightly but he started the second verse in the minor key she was using, following her lead.· Theoretically they should follow the lead of the Warbutt if he commands them; they are his vassals.
· He did no more than chip that one in as well, and it gave us the lead.· It too would have to refuel in Newfoundland, giving them a twelve-hour lead.· It started well enough, with Dave Mitchell giving Town the lead midway through the first half.· John Liley converted to give Leicester a 12-10 lead which they stretched to 18-10 before Bowling and Llanelli hit back.· Steve Winn gave Marske the lead early in the game, with Archie Stephens equalising midway through the second half.· Fealy's try gave Newbridge the lead after Hayward had missed with two earlier attempts.· Mori in the Times gave Labour a one-point lead.
· She held the lead and quietly plodded upward through the crisp snow that covered the long Baskan Glacier.· Flowing Wells held a one-point lead with a minute to go in the game, but Pueblo came back for the win.· In race one, Hodgson was able to get a better run through the backmarkers and hold the lead to the line.· In the World Wide Web arena, it is Netscape that holds the commanding lead thus far.· Somailai then edged back in front and held on to their lead and eventually ran out 5-2 winners.· Dole also held sizable leads in Florida and Mississippi, according to Mason-Dixon.· The measure of his performance was that at lunch he held a nine-stroke lead over the other morning starters.· The Stings got the best of it, though, holding on to the lead for the victory.
· Tracy Edwards and the all-girl crew of Maiden have increased their lead over their Division D rivals.· Despite Eddie and Jess, Oregon effortlessly increases its lead to thirty points and holds it there.· David Straney increased Glenavon's lead when the Larne defence allowed him time and space to score.· Henderson then increased the lead to 14 with a three-point play, and the margin eventually grew to 17.· Villa had their tails up in the second half and Atkinson and Staunton both had chances to increase their lead.· Alton had further chances to increase their lead.· Dungannon nearly increased their lead when Jonathon Hastings charged down a Highfield kick in midfield.· Wilkinson increased the lead with a brilliant header into the roof of the net from an inch-perfect left-wing cross by Ripley.
· Carelli, winless since mid-June of last year, lost a five-second lead with the checkered flag in sight.· Morgan had his chances, even after losing the lead outright when Player had a second straight birdie on No. 15.· Schumacher dominated the 58-lap race, only losing the lead briefly during his single scheduled pit stop on lap 37.· They're going for promotion and there was no way they were going to lose a 2-goal lead.· Harris foiled him with a cross-court volley into the nick and Martin lost his lead by misdirecting an audacious winner.· The party has lost its lead in the polls.
· They opened up a lead of more than two minutes by Huddersfield, but were caught with just under 30 miles left.· By the end of the half, Oregon has opened a ten-point lead.· Coming round the final bend he had opened up a substantial lead and seemed to be coasting home.· Jason Collins had eight points in the last seven minutes of the first half as the Cardinal opened their seven-point lead.· Cumbria's Dave Swanson opened up a lead over Paul Dugdale after 5K, and stretched it into a 16-second victory.· Three times during the second half, Stanford opens the lead to fifteen.· Barnsley opened a 9-0 lead before Acklam's number eight Stuart Dredge touched down a push-over try.· The Ducks open up a twenty-point lead with two minutes left in the half.
· In those days I don't think there was an average looking or homely looking person playing romantic leads.· Sister Aimee herself-in fetching costume-always played the lead character.· But although I played lead for a long time in the group I never cite lead players like Clapton or Beck.· Sanger directed and Winston played the lead.· Ben has adapted his zany thriller about ecological disaster and will play the lead.· Scott's going to be playing the lead in Glen's movie.· Audiences are packing in to see Paul Nicholas play the lead role in Barnum.· Who plays the lead in Carry On Columbus? 10.
· The 18-year-old from North Shields beat off eight opponents and a tendon injury to take the lead after the opening compulsory figures.· Meanwhile, in the brothers' partnership, Joe took the lead.· On 23 June the Gaullists took a big lead in the first round of the elections.· The game came alive just 24 seconds after the break when Scarborough took the lead through a well-worked goal.· If there is no Compact established yet you might take the lead in local Compact development!· He hit the crossbar with an audacious lob a minute before Chelsea took the lead.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • But it is difficult to take him seriously because he looks like he should be the lead singer for Oasis.
  • He's our lead singer, or rather I should say he was.
  • She was lead singer in the Black and White Minstrel Show during the 70s.
  • The lead singer had a Mohican haircut and lots of chains and zips.
  • The lead singer, have you seen his hair?
  • The band includes lead guitarist Chris Floyd, a former Leesburg city commissioner.
  • The floppy fringes and pouting lips of the respective lead singers are another story entirely.
► the lead
  • It shows what is being done right now by companies taking the lead.
  • It took only eight minutes for Portadown to take 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.
  • 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.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
  • Claudio is the false friend who leads Leonardo astray into drinking and gambling.
  • Gardeners shouldn't be led astray by these ideas.
  • Parents complained that teachers were leading students astray by discussing contraception and abortion in the classroom.
  • Pfeiffer plays a virtuous woman who is led astray.
  • They're afraid their son will be led astray by the older boys.
  • It has become a case of the blind leading the blind.
  • This is called the blind leading the blind.
  • Allen led the charge, but could they get a goal back?
  • But Dole has, in his long Senate career, led the charge for the second -, third-and fourth-largest.
  • But it is unrealistic to expect businesses to lead the charge alone.
  • But it was Lieutenant Harvey who was still leading the charge as he hurdled elegantly over the wire and into no-man's-land.
  • C., to lead the charge against the Bay Guardian.
  • Its guitar-twanging shock troops led the charge away from what Ulan Bator had been, and toward what it was becoming.
  • Popper led the charge against, describing Wittgenstein s picture theory of language as hopelessly and indeed outrageously mistaken.
  • But since its premier issue in January 1993, Wired has led a charmed life.
  • By his own admission he has led a charmed life.
  • It's been too easy for us; we've led charmed lives till now.
  • No wonder that she and Charles felt that they led a charmed life, that the times were on their side.
  • But this time Carlos Sainz, who had held the lead since Tuesday, came third in a Toyota.
  • In race one, Hodgson was able to get a better run through the backmarkers and hold the lead to the line.
  • New Zealand held the lead for long periods and their frequent advantages depended on the only try of the match.
  • She held the lead and quietly plodded upward through the crisp snow that covered the long Baskan Glacier.
  • She held the lead in her gloved hands; behind her was Selene, with hers protected by a muff.
  • I hear that all the older boys are driving big expensive cars and living the life of Riley.
  • Mrs. Shaewitz is a leading light in the local drama society.
  • By 1991, it was a leading light in outlandish front suspension concepts.
  • On renouncing alcohol he was pardoned and he set sail for Darlington where he became a leading light in the Society.
  • She loves gym workouts, swimming and playing netball - she is a leading light in a local women's team.
► lead on, Macduff► be leading the pack/be ahead of the pack
  • Your mam, you now, she wouldn't believe but that I was swinging the lead all those years.
  • But one thing leads to another, and Sister Helen finds herself challenged to put her beliefs on the line.
  • I know that and I do understand why, but one thing leads to another, you know how it is.
  • You can be sure one thing leads to another.
1the lead the first position in a race or competition:  She was in the lead from start to finish. The Canadians went into the lead after only 30 seconds. The goal put Holland into the lead. The Bears took the lead for the first time this season.2[singular] the amount or distance by which one competitor is ahead of another:  The Chicago Bulls had a narrow lead (=were winning by a small number of points).lead over The Socialists now have a commanding lead over their opponents.3[singular] if someone follows someone else’s lead, they do the same as the other person has done:  Other countries are likely to follow the U.S.'s lead. The Government should give industry a lead in tackling racism (=show what other people should do). The black population in the 1960s looked to Ali for a lead (=looked to him to show them what they should do).4take 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.5[countable] a piece of information that may help you to solve a crime or mystery SYN  clue:  The police have checked out dozens of leads, but have yet to find the killer.6[countable] the main acting part in a play, film etc, or the main actorplay the lead/the lead role He will play the lead role in ‘Hamlet’. Powers was cast in the lead role (=he was chosen to play it).the male/female lead They were having trouble casting the female lead. the film’s romantic lead7lead singer/guitarist etc the main singer, guitarist etc in a grouplead of/with the lead singer of Nirvana8[countable] British English a piece of rope, leather, or chain for holding or controlling a dog SYN  leashon a lead All dogs must be kept on a lead.9[countable] British English a wire used to connect a piece of electrical equipment to the power supply SYN cord American English → jump leadsCOLLOCATIONSverbsbe in the lead· He was in the lead after the first lap of the race.have the lead· He has a one-shot lead in the golf tournament.take the lead (=start being in the lead instead of someone else)· Lewis Hamilton has just taken the lead in the Monaco Grand Prix.put somebody in the lead (=make someone be in the lead)· Ronaldo’s goal put Portugal in the lead.give somebody the lead (=make someone be in the lead)· A goal in the 10th minute gave England the lead.extend/increase/stretch somebody’s lead (=make the lead bigger)· The Australian rugby team extended its lead with a try from Stirling Mortlock.throw away a lead (=to lose the lead)· Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead.blow a lead informal (=to lose the lead)· They managed to blow a 22-point lead.share the lead (=when more than one player or team is in the lead)· At the end of the first round, two golfers share the lead.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + leada big lead· The Bruins had a big lead at half-time.a clear lead· The ruling Labour Party has a clear lead in the opinion polls.a comfortable lead (=a big lead)· The Wildcats had a comfortable lead in the first half.a commanding lead (=a big lead)· Alonso raced into a commanding lead.an early lead (=a lead early in a game, election etc)· Liverpool took an early lead with a goal from Steven Gerrard.a one-shot/two-goal/three point etc lead (=a lead of a specific amount)· Goals by Keane and Lennon gave Tottenham a two-goal lead.
lead1 verblead2 nounlead3 noun
leadlead3 /led/ noun Examples
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • All these increase costs and lead to economic inefficiency.
  • One of the lead negotiators in the Liggett talks said a possible deal was still moving forward.
  • There were no clues, no leads, no moves to be made.
  • Two-goal Dave Mitchell fired Swindon into an early lead.
  • We got our cherry popped that day, and my platoon was in the lead.
word sets
WORD SETS
aluminium, nounargon, nounarsenic, nounbarium, nounbase metal, nounbismuth, nouncadmium, nouncaesium, nouncalcium, nouncarbon, nounchlorine, nounchromium, nouncobalt, nouncopper, nounferrous, adjectivegold, noungold, adjectivegolden, adjectivehalogen, nounhydro-, prefixhydrogen, nouniodine, nouniridium, nouniron, nounisotope, nounkrypton, nounlead, nounlithium, nounmagnesium, nounmanganese, nounmercury, nounmolybdenum, nounnickel, nounnitrogen, nounoxygen, nounphosphorus, nounplatinum, nounplutonium, nounpotassium, nounprecious metal, nounradium, nounradon, nounselenium, nounsilicon, nounsilver, nounsilver, adjectivesodium, nounstrontium, nountin, nountin, adjectivetitanium, nountrace element, nountungsten, nounuranium, nounxenon, nounzinc, noun
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(=acting the most important part)· Schwarzenegger was one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
· Their nuclear programme is causing mounting anxiety among other nations, especially Israel.
(=the main article)· Look at this leading article from Newsweek’s business section.
· The King now prepared to mount an attack on Granada.
(=either as lead singer or as a conductor)· He led his own band in Florida and played in clubs.
· Tax cuts sometimes lead to an economic boom.
· a leading brand such as Toshiba
· Money problems often cause marriage breakdown.
· In many cities prominent businessmen encouraged and financed city centre improvements.
· The government is leading a ‘walk to school’ campaign.
 The producer finally cast Finch in the male lead.
· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.
· Alec is the central character in the play.
(=in a play, film, or television series)· DiCaprio played the lead character in Titanic.
(=an important one)· The protests were led by leading citizens in the community.
· The anti-war protests led to violent clashes between police and demonstrators.
· The coalition was led by the Christian Democrats and the Socialists.
 a commanding lead
· Negotiations between the residents and the council led to a compromise.
(=make you decide that something is true)· All the data led to only one conclusion.
· The differing instructions led to confusion.
 Her album is a strong contender for the Album of the Year award.
· They offered a reward for information leading to the conviction of the killer.
· She became the first woman to lead the country.
· Any delay in calling an ambulance may have resulted in her death.
· The use of agricultural chemicals has led to a decline in water quality.
· The bad weather caused a three-hour delay in sending out rescue helicopters.
· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· Stress and worry both cause sleep difficulties.
· This is a policy that has caused an enormous amount of disagreement.
· It was pure chance that led to the discovery.
(=used to say what place is on the other side of a door)· This door leads into the garden.
 Marje had no idea that her husband was leading a double life with another woman.
 the scandal that led to the president’s downfall
· Poor farming practices have led to erosion of the soil.
(=cause something)· His assassination was one of the events that led to the First World War.
(=show people what they should do by doing it yourself)· The captain of the team should lead by example.
· The women lead a miserable existence.
(=one of the best and most respected)· He is one of the country’s leading experts on Islam.
 a leading exponent of desktop publishing
 Japan is a leading exporter of textiles.
 Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points.
(=make an animal, plant etc stop existing)· Exactly what caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?
 Environmentalists are urging the government to follow the lead of Scandinavian countries in this matter.
 He forged into the lead in the fourth set.
 The idea went down like a lead balloon (=was not popular or successful).
· Inadequate hygiene can lead to illness.
· They argue that the abolition of the death penalty has led to an increase in the number of murders.
· Too much government borrowing can lead to inflation.
(=live in a particular way)· You can change your eating habits and lead a healthier lifestyle.
(=an important member)· a discussion between leading members of the profession
(=help someone avoid problems)· Talk to a financial advisor, who can guide you through the minefield of stocks and shares.
· Hearing loss can cause misunderstandings, when what you say is not correctly heard.· Don’t just assume that you know what he means; that can lead to misunderstandings.
· He led the nation out of a depression and into a period of growth and prosperity.
(=one of the main opponents)· In July the authorities arrested two leading opponents of the government.
(=one of the main opponents, often influencing other people)· She was a leading opponent of gun control in the Senate.
(=the most important part)· Taking the lead part of Annie will be 11-year-old Zoe Jones.
· There are many paths leading to the top of the mountain.
(=caused by a particular substance) a case of alcohol poisoning
· The scandal ruined the careers of several leading politicians.
· Labour soon regained its lead in the polls.
· The good news is that we are ahead in the polls.
 Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view.
(=cause them)· The arrests sparked off violent street protests.
(=be ahead of everyone else)· He led the race from start to finish.
· He led a peasant rebellion against Catherine the Great.
· Hamilton regained the lead in the drivers' championship.
· He led a revolt against Constantine and acclaimed Maximus as emperor.
· We turned into the road leading to the village.
(=the most important role)· They take a leading role in discussions.
(=the most important role)· He had already cast Tom Hanks in the lead role.
· This policy could lead to utter ruin.
 He was Palace’s top scorer.
· The strike led to serious shortages of fuel in some areas.
 the lead singer (=main singer) of Slade
(=result in it)· This development led to speculation that she was about to resign.
(=the most important story in a newspaper or news programme)· The floods were the lead story on the news that evening.
· Many of his leading supporters had by now either escaped abroad or been captured.
(=in a race, competition etc)
· She was the doctor who led the surgical team.
· The Greenwich Foot Tunnel leads under the River Thames.
 The result gave the team an unassailable lead.
· Food shortages led to widespread social unrest.
· She led her team to victory in the finals.
(=be the most successful in the world)· Britain leads the world in defence electronics.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· The bigger the lead of one superpower, the harder the other tries to catch up.· On 23 June the Gaullists took a big lead in the first round of the elections.· She is always silent during halftime, even when the Ducks have a big lead and the others are loose and joking.· They lost concentration at times with a big lead behind them.· On this night, the Orangemen built a big early lead and the Panthers couldn't recover.· Long Beach went on an 18-6 run to open its biggest lead, 77-49, in the fourth quarter.· This is a big lead for Bush, and it could get bigger before it gets smaller.
· After two rounds, Duvergel had a comfortable lead on points with the gold medal plainly in sight.· Barnes added a further penalty to give Portadown a comfortable 10-0 lead at half-time.· Another penalty from Roberts gave Gloucester a comfortable half-time lead.· With his comfortable lead, Dole has pulled back on some of his campaign plans for the state.· While Clinton has a comfortable lead over Dole in recent national surveys, the Kansas senator is expected to win Texas.
· Two-goal Dave Mitchell fired Swindon into an early lead.· Netscape jumped to an early lead with its Navigator software for browsing the Internet.· On this night, the Orangemen built a big early lead and the Panthers couldn't recover.· It left her six shots off an early lead held by Colleen Walker.· Hull fell apart after Gay and Nolan had given them an early 10-0 lead.· This is just what Jody likes, aggressive first-half play, a big early lead.
· Sam, 26, played the female lead in a version of the movie hit Grease.· The trio of female leads are all outstanding.· So far no progress with the female lead.· She was the female lead and therefore a rival.· Glenda Jackson had already been approached for the female lead.
· But which male leads could get away with it?· But Mr Frobisher, who had been having trouble with his male leads, assured us he was just what was needed.
· In those days I don't think there was an average looking or homely looking person playing romantic leads.· Woody Allen has been a romantic lead.· He still looked like a romantic lead.· But he's singing like a romantic lead.
NOUN
· Peschisllibo ravaged Derby's defence in an exhilarating first half when Birmingham rocketed into a three goal lead.
· To enter, simply answer this question: What is the name of Extreme's heart-throb lead guitarist?· The band includes lead guitarist Chris Floyd, a former Leesburg city commissioner.· Then, as Mike became more and more the lead guitarist, I played more and more bass.
· Morgan Stanley & Co Inc was lead manager.· That is why so small a group of internationally powerful banks are repeatedly chosen as lead managers.· The lead manager for the issue was Lehman Brothers.· The note issue was handled by Lehman Brothers as lead manager.· The roles were not necessarily distinct; the lead manager may also be an underwriter and a seller.
· But they just about deserved their 10-point lead at the interval.· Some one apparently did get to the Raiders, who soared out to a 10-point lead in the third quarter.· In the latest round of polls, Peres holds a 5 percentage point lead over Netanyahu.· Aintree and Fazakerley have opened up a six point lead in the second division with 35 from six matches.· A crucial conversion from Nick Marment gave Gloucester a flimsy one point lead.· The subs have allowed the twenty-two-point lead to dwindle to sixteen.
· He cast Nicholson in the lead role and all he needed was a female.· Many local chambers of commerce are already taking a lead role in this process.· She was approached for the lead role in a Hollywood production to be directed by Steven Spielberg.· Salomon Brothers will take a lead role in the international share offer, the statement said.· Hardly anyone noted her arrival in the corps de ballet until she suddenly appeared in the lead role of Symphonic Variations.
· She was lead singer in the Black and White Minstrel Show during the 70s.· The lead singer, have you seen his hair?· He's our lead singer, or rather I should say he was.· But it is difficult to take him seriously because he looks like he should be the lead singer for Oasis.· The lead singer had a Mohican haircut and lots of chains and zips.· To enter our super competition simply answer this question: What is the name of Marillion's lead singer?· They sing in groups, and there is a lead singer.
· As a result time-to-market and lead times remain excessive in most manufacturing sectors.· The head of computer services could dictate lead times and turnaround times for all projects.· Can embargo be a useful instrument to protect lead times or influence Soviet policy?· The first modification requires that a reorder point be established that allows for delivery lead times.· The lead times are useful in planning other activities dependent on this stage being completed.· It has also cut manufacturing lead times from 17 weeks to two and trebled output per operator.· A highly skilled workforce trained in designing and manufacturing high-quality, high value-added products at low cost, with shorter lead times.· Product lead times have been cut in half from 30 days to under 13 days.
VERB
· The poll also shows the Tories have cut Labour's lead from nine to six points over the past month.· The Raptors cut the lead to 5, but could get no closer.· Once Smith's penalty goal had cut the Cambridge lead to two points Oxford appeared to be in the driving seat.· New York cut the Dolphin lead to 24-17 with a 43-yard touchdown run by Adrian Murrell with 7: 37 left.· It has also cut manufacturing lead times from 17 weeks to two and trebled output per operator.
· Firebrands beat Swindon 3-0 to extend a seven-point lead at the West League's winter break.· In the second half, the Mustangs were able to extend their lead to 30 with a more up-tempo offense.· Birkenhead St Mary's extended their lead at the top as the nearest challengers Sutton and Aigburth lost.· Ball then kicked a penalty before Neath extended their lead with a try from John Davies.· Ball kicked another penalty shortly before half-time to extend the lead to 14-6.
· It is likely that they will follow London's lead and also exempt motorcycles from any charges.· But he is not the leader of any faction or group of lawmakers who would naturally follow his lead, lawmakers said.· His eyes narrowed slightly but he started the second verse in the minor key she was using, following her lead.· Only you can give all the people the opportunity to follow your lead.· It will be given a sleeker, more modern look-again following the lead set by the latest R1150R.· His characters tend to follow his lead.· Theoretically they should follow the lead of the Warbutt if he commands them; they are his vassals.· Other mannequins are following her lead, cropping and coloring at a pretty pace.
· Luke Nightingale gave Pompey the lead after 56 minutes and Mike Panopoulos netted from the spot for the second.· It started well enough, with Dave Mitchell giving Town the lead midway through the first half.· Julian Darby had given Bolton a 2-1 lead after 89 minutes.· Fealy's try gave Newbridge the lead after Hayward had missed with two earlier attempts.· Mori in the Times gave Labour a one-point lead.· But Rochdale took command from then on, Morgan gave them the lead and then a Flounders penalty making it 3-1.· Two minutes later, Mark Knapper gave Rovers the lead.· Student protests, sweeping through the nation's campuses, gave a lead to the opponents of the war.
· She held the lead and quietly plodded upward through the crisp snow that covered the long Baskan Glacier.· Flowing Wells held a one-point lead with a minute to go in the game, but Pueblo came back for the win.· In race one, Hodgson was able to get a better run through the backmarkers and hold the lead to the line.· In the World Wide Web arena, it is Netscape that holds the commanding lead thus far.· Somailai then edged back in front and held on to their lead and eventually ran out 5-2 winners.· Dole also held sizable leads in Florida and Mississippi, according to Mason-Dixon.· The measure of his performance was that at lunch he held a nine-stroke lead over the other morning starters.· The Stings got the best of it, though, holding on to the lead for the victory.
· Tracy Edwards and the all-girl crew of Maiden have increased their lead over their Division D rivals.· Despite Eddie and Jess, Oregon effortlessly increases its lead to thirty points and holds it there.· David Straney increased Glenavon's lead when the Larne defence allowed him time and space to score.· Henderson then increased the lead to 14 with a three-point play, and the margin eventually grew to 17.· Villa had their tails up in the second half and Atkinson and Staunton both had chances to increase their lead.· Alton had further chances to increase their lead.· Dungannon nearly increased their lead when Jonathon Hastings charged down a Highfield kick in midfield.· Wilkinson increased the lead with a brilliant header into the roof of the net from an inch-perfect left-wing cross by Ripley.
· Carelli, winless since mid-June of last year, lost a five-second lead with the checkered flag in sight.· Morgan had his chances, even after losing the lead outright when Player had a second straight birdie on No. 15.· Schumacher dominated the 58-lap race, only losing the lead briefly during his single scheduled pit stop on lap 37.· They're going for promotion and there was no way they were going to lose a 2-goal lead.· Harris foiled him with a cross-court volley into the nick and Martin lost his lead by misdirecting an audacious winner.· The party has lost its lead in the polls.
· They opened up a lead of more than two minutes by Huddersfield, but were caught with just under 30 miles left.· By the end of the half, Oregon has opened a ten-point lead.· Coming round the final bend he had opened up a substantial lead and seemed to be coasting home.· Jason Collins had eight points in the last seven minutes of the first half as the Cardinal opened their seven-point lead.· Cumbria's Dave Swanson opened up a lead over Paul Dugdale after 5K, and stretched it into a 16-second victory.· Three times during the second half, Stanford opens the lead to fifteen.· Barnsley opened a 9-0 lead before Acklam's number eight Stuart Dredge touched down a push-over try.· The Ducks open up a twenty-point lead with two minutes left in the half.
· In those days I don't think there was an average looking or homely looking person playing romantic leads.· Sister Aimee herself-in fetching costume-always played the lead character.· But although I played lead for a long time in the group I never cite lead players like Clapton or Beck.· Sanger directed and Winston played the lead.· Ben has adapted his zany thriller about ecological disaster and will play the lead.· Scott's going to be playing the lead in Glen's movie.· Audiences are packing in to see Paul Nicholas play the lead role in Barnum.
· City who are chasing promotion, took the lead with a penalty.· They had three chances to take the lead but failed each time and eventually missed eight straight shots.· Where London has perhaps taken a lead, it has been followed.· Many local chambers of commerce are already taking a lead role in this process.· Senior management failed to take a lead in clarifying the role of the Beacon in the department's services to under fives.· Meanwhile, in the brothers' partnership, Joe took the lead.· It was no great surprise when Middlesbrough took the lead.· He also has taken the lead in documenting the horrific toll taken by mines.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
  • Claudio is the false friend who leads Leonardo astray into drinking and gambling.
  • Gardeners shouldn't be led astray by these ideas.
  • Parents complained that teachers were leading students astray by discussing contraception and abortion in the classroom.
  • Pfeiffer plays a virtuous woman who is led astray.
  • They're afraid their son will be led astray by the older boys.
  • It has become a case of the blind leading the blind.
  • This is called the blind leading the blind.
  • Allen led the charge, but could they get a goal back?
  • But Dole has, in his long Senate career, led the charge for the second -, third-and fourth-largest.
  • But it is unrealistic to expect businesses to lead the charge alone.
  • But it was Lieutenant Harvey who was still leading the charge as he hurdled elegantly over the wire and into no-man's-land.
  • C., to lead the charge against the Bay Guardian.
  • Its guitar-twanging shock troops led the charge away from what Ulan Bator had been, and toward what it was becoming.
  • Popper led the charge against, describing Wittgenstein s picture theory of language as hopelessly and indeed outrageously mistaken.
  • But since its premier issue in January 1993, Wired has led a charmed life.
  • By his own admission he has led a charmed life.
  • It's been too easy for us; we've led charmed lives till now.
  • No wonder that she and Charles felt that they led a charmed life, that the times were on their side.
  • But this time Carlos Sainz, who had held the lead since Tuesday, came third in a Toyota.
  • In race one, Hodgson was able to get a better run through the backmarkers and hold the lead to the line.
  • New Zealand held the lead for long periods and their frequent advantages depended on the only try of the match.
  • She held the lead and quietly plodded upward through the crisp snow that covered the long Baskan Glacier.
  • She held the lead in her gloved hands; behind her was Selene, with hers protected by a muff.
  • I hear that all the older boys are driving big expensive cars and living the life of Riley.
  • Mrs. Shaewitz is a leading light in the local drama society.
  • By 1991, it was a leading light in outlandish front suspension concepts.
  • On renouncing alcohol he was pardoned and he set sail for Darlington where he became a leading light in the Society.
  • She loves gym workouts, swimming and playing netball - she is a leading light in a local women's team.
► lead on, Macduff► be leading the pack/be ahead of the pack
  • Your mam, you now, she wouldn't believe but that I was swinging the lead all those years.
  • But one thing leads to another, and Sister Helen finds herself challenged to put her beliefs on the line.
  • I know that and I do understand why, but one thing leads to another, you know how it is.
  • You can be sure one thing leads to another.
1lead (1) [uncountable] a soft heavy grey metal that melts easily and is poisonous, used on roofs, or in the past for water pipes. It is a chemical element: symbol Pb2[countable, uncountable] the central part of a pencil that makes the marks when you write3go down like a lead balloon informal if a suggestion or joke goes down like a lead balloon, people do not like it at all4[uncountable] American English old-fashioned bullets:  They filled him full of lead.5leads [plural] a)sheets of lead used for covering a roof b)narrow pieces of lead used for holding small pieces of glass together to form a window
随便看

　

英语词典包含52748条英英释义在线翻译词条，基本涵盖了全部常用单词的英英翻译及用法，是英语学习的有利工具。

　

Copyright © 2004-2022 Newdu.com All Rights Reserved
更新时间：2025/3/24 13:07:12