taking the initiative
Starting without prompting
Taking the initiative means acting first without waiting for instructions or 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 self-direction and leadership—stepping forward when others hang back.
- take the leadAssume foremost position
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- carpe diemGrasp the present moment
- volunteeringGiving service without pay
- aggressiveHostile and confrontational
self-motivation · self-starter · first mover · getting the ball rolling · leadership · boldness · stepping up · stepping up to the plate · resourcefulness · daring · breaking new ground · foresight · ownership · entrepreneurship · going the extra mile · trailblazing · blazing a trail · autonomy
taking the initiativesitting back
Leaning into a backrest
holding back · dragging one's feet · hesitating · dithering · procrastinating
taking the initiativetaking a back seat
Accepting a subordinate role
falling in line · toeing the line · following · going along with · going along
taking the initiativepassivity
State of non-resistance
inaction · doing nothing · sitting on one's hands · standing by · apathy
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