lead up to
Build toward carefully
To lead up to something is to come before it in a way that prepares or builds toward it.
Events lead up to a crisis; conversations lead up to a difficult question.
The weeks leading up to the wedding were chaotic.
I could tell by the way he was talking that he was leading up to something.
The phrase often implies gradual progression or deliberate preparation before reaching a main point or event.
Gradual accumulation over time
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- precursorSomething that comes first
foreshadow · anticipation · countdown · run-up · approach · preliminary · setup · staging
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
precursor · foreshadow · anticipation · countdown · run-up · approach · preliminary · setup · staging · advance
hint
Indirect suggestion
foreshadow · portend · indicate · signify · imply · presage · foretell · telegraph · prefigure · augur
lead up toblurt out
Utter suddenly, impulsively
cut to the chase · lay it on the line · get to the point · not mince words · spit out