take the initiative

Idioms  

1. Begin a task or plan of action, as in The boss was on vacation when they ran out of materials, so Julie took the initiative and ordered more. This term uses initiative in the sense of “the power to originate something,” a usage dating from the late 1700s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

take the initiative

Entry-level candidates who take the initiative with self-assigned tasks and projects, Pryor says, “immediately read as much older.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026

"He likes to be the focus, he likes the responsibility, he likes to take the initiative."

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026

At Bell Labs, it was often the case that small groups of scientists and engineers were encouraged to take the initiative, and ended up creating some of its greatest breakthroughs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 28, 2026

"But Chinese companies will take the initiative to adjust the destination of exports to overcome difficulties. Exporters are waiting and looking for new customers."

From BBC ● Apr. 30, 2025

I put out my hand to get a slap from him, but he misinterprets that as a handshake attempt, so I take the initiative and turn it into a hug, a big smelly one.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

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