lead the charge
Take the vanguard
To lead the charge is to be the first to advance, originally in military contexts where someone leads troops into battle.
Now mostly figurative for taking initiative or being at the forefront of an effort: She led the charge for better working conditions.
The phrase implies both courage and visibility—you're out front, taking the risk.
- spearheadLead an effort
- catalyzeAccelerate a process
- take the reinsBegin controlling a situation
- mobilizeOrganize for action
- rally the troopsUnite and motivate fighters
pioneer · blaze a trail · crusade · rally · forerunner · galvanize · trailblazer · break new ground · advance · initiate · captain · at the helm · orchestrate · call to arms · commander · energize · helm · vanguard
lead the chargefollow orders
bring up the rear · fall in line · follow the leader · take a back seat · play second fiddle
lead the chargehang back
Remain behind others
hold back · drag one's feet · sit on one's hands · retreat · stand down
lead, charge, leads, leading, leader, leaders, leadership, mislead, misleading