take the initiative
Start without prompting
To take the initiative is to act first rather than waiting for others or for circumstances to force your hand.
It implies self-motivation and a willingness to lead: She took the initiative and scheduled the meeting herself.
Someone who takes the initiative doesn't need to be told what to do—they recognize what needs doing and do it.
- take the leadAssume foremost position
- make a moveInitiate an action
- make the first moveAct before others do
- actDeed or performance
- take actionBegin doing something
proactive · take it upon oneself · seize the moment · trailblazer · blaze a trail · first mover · pioneer · catalyst · champion · self-starter · lead · pathfinder · decisive · get the ball rolling · lead the way · risk-taker · jump in · volunteer
take the initiativereact
Answer a stimulus
wait and see · follow orders · sit back · respond · drag one's feet
take the initiativehesitate
Pause in uncertainty
hold back · hang back · shrink back · wait in the wings · shy away
taken, taking, takers, initiative, initiatives, initial, initially, initials, initiate