lead the way (?.)
- be the bellwether
- beacon
- break ground
- break the ice
- create
- epitomize
- exemplify
- fit the pattern
- get ahead of
- get before
- go before
- guide
- have the start
- head
- head the line
- head up
- initiate
- invent
- lap
- lead
- lead off
- lead the dance
- light the way
- originate
- outstrip
- pace
- pioneer
- precede
- set an example
- set the pace
- spearhead
- stand first
- take the initiative
- take the lead
- take the plunge