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

“Customer traffic was the primary driver of the strong sales trend as compelling merchandise assortments, higher customer acquisition and engagement from our ongoing marketing initiatives, and an improved in-store experience are resonating with shoppers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The company’s enhanced marketing initiatives and franchise refreshes should help things improve, as well.

From Barron's • Dec. 13, 2025

Benegal recounts that, egged on by Kurien, he had produced several documentaries on Operation Flood, external - India's milk revolution - and rural marketing initiatives.

From BBC • May 17, 2024

“It could be called the gateway sugary drink,” said Frances Fleming-Milici, director of marketing initiatives and a research professor with the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health at the University of Connecticut.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2023

We had an epic two-hour meeting discussing our spring marketing initiatives, so that I can go to the creative team in Florida to talk about how we can support it all.

From New York Times • Jan. 1, 2020