Idioms for lead

Origin of lead

1
before 900; Middle English leden, Old English lǣdan (causative of līthan to go, travel); cognate with Dutch leiden, German leiten, Old Norse leitha

synonym study for lead

1. See guide.

British Dictionary definitions for lead up to (1 of 3)

lead up to
/ (liːd) /

verb (intr, adverb + preposition)

to act as a preliminary or introduction to
to approach (a topic) gradually or cautiously

British Dictionary definitions for lead up to (2 of 3)

lead 1
/ (liːd) /

verb leads, leading or led (lɛd)

noun

Word Origin for lead

Old English lǣdan; related to līthan to travel, Old High German līdan to go

British Dictionary definitions for lead up to (3 of 3)

lead 2
/ (lɛd) /

noun

verb (tr)

Derived forms of lead

leadless, adjective leady, adjective

Word Origin for lead

Old English; related to Dutch lood, German Lot

Scientific definitions for lead up to

lead
[ lĕd ]

Pb

A soft, ductile, heavy, bluish-gray metallic element that is extracted chiefly from galena. It is very durable and resistant to corrosion and is a poor conductor of electricity. Lead is used to make radiation shielding and containers for corrosive substances. It was once commonly used in pipes, solder, roofing, paint, and antiknock compounds in gasoline, but its use in these products has been curtailed because of its toxicity. Atomic number 82; atomic weight 207.2; melting point 327.5°C; boiling point 1,744°C; specific gravity 11.35; valence 2, 4. See Periodic Table. See Note at element.

Idioms and Phrases with lead up to (1 of 2)

lead up to

Prepare gradually for, result in gradually, as in These events clearly led up to the coup, or His remarks led up to the main point of the speech, that he was going to resign next year. [Mid-1800s]

Idioms and Phrases with lead up to (2 of 2)

lead