lead off
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
Be the first person to speak, perform, or act in a group situation.
Literal meaning: To lead (go first) off (away from the start line).
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To begin something or to be the first to speak or perform in a group.
"The chairperson asked the youngest team member to lead off the presentations."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 neutral
(Baseball) To be the first batter in an inning.
"The rookie was chosen to lead off in the bottom of the third inning."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used in journalism to mean the opening item of a news broadcast or story. Used in baseball to describe the first batter in an inning. Also used in general contexts for whoever starts a meeting, debate, or performance. American English more than British.
Commonly used with
meeting debate inning broadcast discussion performance
Forms
Base
lead off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
leads off
he/she/it
Past simple
led off
yesterday
Past participle
led off
have + pp
-ing form
leading off
continuous
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