take the initiative

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.

Example Sentences

Their respective decisions last week to “pre-empt” Jimmy Kimmel Live! only came after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr told right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson that “licensed broadcasters” should take the initiative to “push back” against Disney, in protest of the Kirk monologue, for the sake of the “public interest.”

From Slate

"I think the chair umpire should be able to take the initiative, that's what he's there for," she said.

From BBC

"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

"He had to pull the strings and take the initiative. It gives such a boost to young people who may also start with nothing and who work to achieve their goals in life."

From BBC

Phil from London agreed parents needed to take the initiative when it came to online safety.

From BBC