lead to

lead (one) to (do something)

To cause or compel force one to do something. The sales agent led me to believe I would continue paying the lower price if I signed up for the TV service, but when I got my first bill I learned that wasn't the case. These sales lead us to think that there is not much of a market for this kind of product. His continued misuse of the internet led his parents to ban him from using it altogether.

See also: lead, to

lead to (something)

1. To guide or direct someone or something to something or some place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is usually used between "lead" and "to." I dug a path that would lead excess rain water to a drainage ditch by the side of our house. The officer led us to the courtroom to await our sentence.

2. To serve as a route to or means of reaching something. This path leads to the woods. If we can find the river, it should lead us back to the campsite.

3. To cause or result in some state or condition. Only hard work leads to true success. Eating too much junk food could lead to some serious health problems, not to mention gaining weight!

See also: lead, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

lead (someone or an animal) to something

to guide someone or an animal to something or some place. Would you lead Paul to the place where the trunks are kept? The cat is so old that we had to lead her to her food.

See also: lead, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

lead to

v.

1. To guide someone to something or someone: Our teacher led the children to the museum. This path leads to the other side of the forest.

2. To have something as a goal or result: Exercise leads to better health.

See also: lead, to

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.