taken the initiative
Started without prompting
To have taken the initiative is to have acted first or without waiting for direction from others.
It implies self-motivation and willingness to lead rather than follow: She took the initiative and scheduled the meeting herself.
Taking the initiative often carries positive connotations of resourcefulness, though it can sometimes suggest overstepping: He took the initiative without consulting anyone.
- step upIncrease or advance
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- make the first moveAct before others do
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- take the reinsBegin controlling a situation
move · seize the moment · action · self-starter · start · get the ball rolling · pioneer · blaze a trail · volunteer · embark · go-getter · assertiveness · leadership · innovation · transformation · trailblazer · break new ground · decisiveness
taken the initiativefollowed
Came behind another
taken orders · fallen in line · obeyed · submitted · complied
taken the initiativesat back
Relaxed one's posture
stayed put · hesitated · dragged one's feet · twiddled one's thumbs · stood by
taken, taking, takers, initiative, initiatives, initial, initially, initials, initiate