To precede or approach a particular event or moment through a series of events, or to approach a sensitive topic indirectly.
Be the events or actions that happen before something important, or slowly get to a difficult topic.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
Of events: to happen in the period before a significant moment and contribute to it.
"Tensions had been rising in the months leading up to the outbreak of the conflict."
In the days leading up to the invasion, diplomats made last-ditch attempts to avert war.
— Common news media phrasing; representative of BBC and broadsheet reporting style
To approach a subject gradually or indirectly before stating the main point.
"Stop making small talk — I can tell you're leading up to something. Just say it."
To lead (advance) up to (the point of) something.
Be the events or actions that happen before something important, or slowly get to a difficult topic.
Used to describe the period before an event ('in the weeks leading up to the election') or the act of approaching a topic gently or indirectly before saying the main point ('What are you leading up to?'). Very common in both written and spoken English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "lead up to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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