took the initiative
Started without prompting
Took the initiative means acted first without waiting for direction or permission.
The phrase implies stepping forward when others hesitate, taking responsibility for getting something started: She took the initiative and scheduled the meeting herself.
It often carries positive connotations of leadership and self-motivation.
- stepped upIncreased in degree
- volunteeredGave services unpaid
- took it upon oneselfChose to accept responsibility
- took actionResponded with effort
- took chargeBegan directing things
mobilize · took the plunge · leadership · took the reins · proactive · spearheading · bold · self-starter · command · took · autonomy · trailblazing · broke new ground · self-motivation · forefront · resourcefulness · decisive · courageous
took the initiativeheld back
Kept from advancing
took a back seat · stood by · sat back · played it safe · stayed in one's lane
took the initiativefell in line
Began to conform
went with the flow · tagged along · took orders · complied · conformed
took the initiativehesitated
Paused from uncertainty
procrastinated · dragged one's feet · stalled · dithered · stood still
taking, undertook, overtook, initial, initiate, initiated, initiating, initiation, initiations