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