lead-offs

First ones up

Lead-offs are the things that come first or start something off.

In baseball, the lead-off batter hits first in the lineup; a lead-off single opens an inning.

More generally, a lead-off question or lead-off speaker begins a proceeding: The lead-offs for tonight's debate have been announced.

opening

beginning

Initial stage of something

startTo set going
introductionPreliminary section or presentation
openerWhat begins something

kickoff · commencement · preamble · prelude · first move · initiation · launch · debut · inaugural · outset

conversation

icebreaker

Tension-easing social activity

openerWhat begins something
introductionPreliminary section or presentation
conversation starterInitiates social exchange

opening line · prompt · hook · segue

baseball

leadoff hitter

Initial batter in lineup

stealTake without permission
runnerOne who sprints
first baseDiamond's rightfield corner bag

pitcher · catcher · anticipation · signal · speed · aggressive · lineup · plate appearance · on-base percentage · walk

Opposites

sequence position

lead-offsfinales

Concluding portions of performances

endings · conclusions · closers · wrap-ups · closings

function in presentation

lead-offsfinales

Concluding portions of performances

closings · conclusions · encores · curtain calls · closing remarks

function in presentation/performance

lead-offsclosers

Those who complete transactions

sign-offs · send-offs · curtain calls · final acts · encores

Family

lead-off, lead, leads, led, leading, leader, leaders, leadership, mislead

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