lead on

/ liːd /

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to lure or entice, esp into trouble or wrongdoing

Idioms and Phrases

Entice someone into proceeding, mislead; also, deceive someone, especially pretending romantic interest. For example, He's leading her on to reveal more of her family history, or She's just leading him on; she has a serious boyfriend at home. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said the case was built on eyewitness accounts, ballistics, DNA, CCTV, mobile phone communications and cell site data.

From BBC

Incoming leads on “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” have historically been contestants from previous seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers claimed the lead on a three-run blast in the seventh inning by Dalton Rushing.

From Los Angeles Times

The blown lead on Wednesday was the second by the Dodgers in as many days.

From Los Angeles Times

That proved costly when Treinen, the fourth reliever summoned to close out the game, coughed on the lead on the back-to-back homers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• be dishonest www.thesaurus.com
• betray 
• cheat 
• circumvent 
• defraud 
• delude 
• disappoint 
• dupe 
• entrap 
• falsify 
• fool 
• hoodwink 
• mislead 
• swindle 
• trick 
• victimize