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Synonyms

lead on

British  
/ liːd /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
lead on Idioms  

  1. 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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They only lead on goal difference and will cede top spot if Hearts, who had led since September, avoid defeat at bottom side Livingston on Sunday.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Connor Wynne restored Bradford's lead on the verge of half-time but Jack Bird, Ash Handley and Cooper Jenkins went in before Caleb Aekins' late consolation for the hosts.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Blanchett, who takes the lead on his family’s investment decisions, could sell to pay tuition for his four children.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

If that fails, Washington would press allies in Europe and the Gulf to take the lead on reopening the strait, the officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Theoretically, we should have a good lead on them, although they’re certain to be much faster than we are.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.