lead off

Meaning

Noun

1. The first batter in the batting order.
2. The first batter of an inning.
3. The short distance that a player stands away from their current base.

Verb

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lead, off.
2. To be the first batter of an inning.
3. To be the first of any set, especially the first person in a group to speak; to launch or begin something by speaking.

Synonyms

start

begin

commence

lead astray

initiate

lead away

launch

kick off

originate

inaugurate

introduce

inveigle

open

open up

precede

preface

set in motion

shunt

start out

start up

take up

tease

tempt

bully off

make a start

set to

strike up

make a beginning

beguile

embark

embark on

entice

face off

get going

get started

go