leading on
Giving false hope
Leading on is giving someone false hope or encouragement, especially romantic interest you don't intend to reciprocate.
The phrase implies deliberate deception—stringing someone along for attention, favors, or entertainment while knowing their feelings won't be returned: She accused him of leading her on for months.
Leading on can also mean guiding someone forward, though this sense is far less common.
- stringing alongProlonged romantic deception
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- hot and coldShifting between enthusiasm and disinterest
- deceivingCausing false belief
- flirtingPlayfully showing romantic interest
false hope · false promises · manipulation · promises · heartstrings · breadcrumbing · playing games · pulling the strings · charming · seduction · dangling · baiting · sweet talk · mixed signals · toying · empty words · guiding · pacing
- heartbreakheartache, broken heart, heartbreak, dumping, lost love
- romance scamsromance scam, romance scams, romance fraud, sweetheart scam, catfishing
leading onbeing honest
Stating facts sincerely
telling the truth · coming clean · laying cards on the table · following through · committing
lead, leading, leads, led, leader, leaders, leadership, mislead, misleading