taking point

Verb

take point (third-person singular simple present takes point, present participle taking point, simple past took point, past participle taken point)

1. To assume the first and most exposed position in a formation in combat; to serve as the lead soldier or unit advancing through hostile or unsecured territory.

   Synonyms:

   run point

2. (broadly) To assume a key role in an operation.
   • But unlike the intervention in Libya, where France and Britain took point and America “led from behind”, an intervention in Syria would have to be a mostly American affair, and as such it would be done with massive force from the outset.2012 September 15, “The war in Syria: Death from the skies”, in The Economist

   Synonyms:

   run point