lead

an advantage held by a competitor in a race; "he took the lead at the last turn"

a soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element; bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes readily to dull grey; "the children were playing with lead soldiers"

evidence pointing to a possible solution; "the police are following a promising lead"; "the trail led straight to the perpetrator"

a position of leadership (especially in the phrase `take the lead'); "he takes the lead in any group"; "we were just waiting for someone to take the lead"; "they didn't follow our lead"

an actor who plays a principal role

an indication of potential opportunity; "he got a tip on the stock market"; "a good lead for a job"

a news story of major importance

restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal

thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing

take somebody somewhere; "We lead him to our chief"; "can you take me to the main entrance?"; "He conducted us to the palace"

have as a result or residue; "The water left a mark on the silk dress"; "Her blood left a stain on the napkin"

travel in front of; go in advance of others; "The procession was headed by John"

stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope; run or extend between two points or beyond a certain point; "Service runs all the way to Cranbury"; "His knowledge doesn't go very far"; "My memory extends back to my fourth year of life"; "The facts extend beyond a consideration of her personal assets"

be in charge of; "Who is heading this project?"

be conducive to; "The use of computers in the classroom lead to better writing"

lead, as in the performance of a composition; "conduct an orchestra; Barenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years"

lead, extend, or afford access; "This door goes to the basement"; "The road runs South"

move ahead (of others) in time or space

cause something to pass or lead somewhere; "Run the wire behind the cabinet"