leading the way

Verb

lead the way (third-person singular simple present leads the way, present participle leading the way, simple past and past participle led the way)

1. (literally) To proceed first in a journey, procession, etc., so that others can follow.
2. (figuratively) To act as a guide or pioneer.
   • The native-born and the "naturalised" locomotives have been giving way to the standardised types, of which the L.M.S.R. class "5" 4-6-0 has led the way and has penetrated the furthest.1958 July, J. P. Wilson, “Scottish Soliloquy”, in Railway Magazine, page 495