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lead off

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lead off

to be the first one to go or leave. You lead off. I'll follow. Mary led off and the others followed closely behind.

See also: lead, off

lead off (with someone or something)

[for a person, process, or performance] to begin with someone or something. The musical revue led off with a bassoon trio. Sharon, the singer, will lead off tonight.

See also: lead, off

lead someone or something off

to guide someone or something away. The guide led the hikers off on the adventure of their lives. The dog owners led off their animals and they awaited the decision of the judges.

See also: lead, off

lead off (something)

also lead something off

to begin something The shootings led off a month-long gang war in the city. He led off the fourth inning with a home run. I'd like to lead the evening off with a poem.

See also: lead, off

lead off

Begin, start, go first. For example, We have a panel of three speakers, so will you lead off? [c. 1800]

See also: lead, off

lead off

v.

1. To cause something to begin or start; inaugurate something: Do you want me to lead off the discussion with some comments? The secretary led the meeting off with some announcements.

2. To guide someone or something away: The counselor led the campers off to their bunks.

3. Baseball To be the first batter in an inning: The batter who led off in the first inning scored a home run.

See also: lead, off