lead up to

Meaning

1. Oxford100% of films

   to be an introduction to or the cause of sth

   "Floating lights," and, yes, I'm leading up to that.

   - It leads up to him. - Mm-hmm.

In the movies · 4

• We've put in so much work leading up to this moment.The Dawn Wall2017
• - It leads up to him. - Mm-hmm.Husbands and Wives1992
• "Floating lights," and, yes, I'm leading up to that.Tangled2010
• It took weeks of planning to lead up to the big event, but it was well worth it.Moneyball2011
• Try to lead them up into the stands.Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase2001

Learn it in full scenes

• The Dawn Wall2017
  • Tommy's Father Toughens Him Up
  • Tommy Caldwell Wins Snowbird
  • Climbers Taken Hostage in Kyrgyzstan
• Husbands and Wives1992
  • Jack and Sally Announce a Split
  • Gabe and Judy's Late-Night Talk
  • Sally Calls Jack During a Date

From the same entry

• lead by the nose
• lead a dance
• lead from the front
• lead nowhere
• lead up the garden path
• the blind leading the blind
• you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink
• lead the life of Riley
• one thing leads to another
• lead off
• lead off
• lead on