break the ice (?.)
- approach
- blaze the trail
- break ground
- clear the way
- court
- create
- cultivate
- cultivate the soil
- go in advance
- head
- head up
- initiate
- invent
- lay the foundation
- lay the groundwork
- lead
- lead off
- lead the way
- make advances
- make up to
- open the way
- originate
- pave the way
- pay addresses to
- pay court to
- pioneer
- play up to
- precede
- prepare the way
- run after
- shine up to
- sow the seed
- stand first
- suck up to
- take the initiative
- take the lead
- take the plunge
