takes the initiative
Starts without prompting
Takes the initiative means acting first without waiting for others to lead or give permission.
Someone who takes the initiative identifies what needs doing and does it: She took the initiative and scheduled the meeting herself.
The phrase implies proactive behavior—stepping forward rather than waiting to be asked.
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- take chargeBegin leading a situation
- step upIncrease or advance
- startTo set going
- entrepreneurialInclined to launch ventures
trailblazer · blaze a trail · navigator · self-starter · leader · lead the way · spark · first-mover · foresight · champion · pioneer · innovator · self-motivation · make the first move · instigate · trendsetter · launch · get the ball rolling
takes the initiativesits back
Leans into seat
reacts · responds · goes along · holds back · hangs back
takes the initiativepasses the buck
Transfers blame to another
drops the ball · takes a back seat · follows the crowd · goes with the flow
takes the initiativetakes a back seat
Assumes lesser importance
submits · complies · falls in line · goes with the flow · kowtows
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