1 B2 idiomatic informal
To give someone false hope or encouragement, especially in a romantic relationship.
"She wasn't actually interested in him but kept leading him on for months."
separable
lead on
B2 informal separable transitive
To deceive someone by giving them false hope or encouragement, especially in a romantic context.
In plain English
Make someone think you like them or will do something when you don't really mean it.
What does "lead on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To encourage someone to continue, especially to lead the way forward.
"The guide told us to follow him and led on through the jungle."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To lead (guide) someone on (forward) — implying they are following a path that leads nowhere real.
Actually means
Make someone think you like them or will do something when you don't really mean it.
Usage tip
Most commonly used in romantic contexts to describe giving someone false hope of a relationship. Can also describe misleading someone in a non-romantic context. Often used in accusatory statements: 'You were leading me on.'
Words that pair with "lead on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
romantically false hope partner victim strings believe
How to conjugate "lead on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lead on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
leads on
he/she/it
Past simple
led on
yesterday
Past participle
led on
have + pp
-ing form
leading on
continuous
Hear "lead on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lead on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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