lead the way
verb1
Literally To proceed first in a journey, procession, etc., so that others can follow.
2
Figuratively To act as a guide or pioneer.
- The native-born and the "naturalised" locomotives have been giving way to the standardised types, of which the L.M.S.R. class "5" 4-6-0 has led the way and has penetrated the furthest.1958 July 23, J. P. Wilson, “Scottish Soliloquy”, in Railway Magazine, page 495:
- The Americans led the way in the postwar years, but UK, Continental European and Japanese companies have followed […]2005, Alan Montefiore, David Vines, Integrity in the Public and Private Domains, page 277:
1 more example
- Network Rail's East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) should lead the way for a national digital signalling programme and other major schemes under the new Great British Railways public body.2022 January 26, “Network News: RIA lauds East Coast programme as default model for GBR”, in RAIL, number 949, page 11:
- Antonyms
- bring up the rear