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

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

From Barron's • Jul. 6, 2026

More generally, an extended literature shows that opt-in procedures, where individuals have to take the initiative, produce low levels of participation.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 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

Carre bundled his way over after the home side drove the Bulls pack backwards, as Saracens' international stars showed all their experience to take the initiative.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2024

Armstrong being busy with the collapsed woman, Lombard was free once more to take the initiative.

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie