seize the initiative
Take decisive action
To seize the initiative is to act first, taking control of a situation before others can.
The phrase implies decisive action that puts you in a position of advantage: Rather than wait for competitors to move, we seized the initiative and launched early.
Someone who seizes the initiative shapes events rather than reacting to them.
- take it upon oneselfVoluntarily assume a task
- take chargeBegin leading a situation
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- outmaneuverDefeat through superior tactics
- capitalizeMake a letter large
control · decisive · mobilize · preempt · jump the gun · command · make a move · first strike · make the first move · action · momentum · boldness · advantage · proactive · be proactive · opportunity · get ahead · forefront
seize the initiativewait and see
Defer until clarity comes
sit on one's hands · wait around · hang back · take a back seat · follow the crowd
seize the initiativehesitate
Pause in uncertainty
dither · procrastinate · drag one's feet · delay · miss the boat
seize, seized, seizing, seizes, seizure, seizures, initiative, initiatives, initial