lead on
MediumInformal
Definition
Meaning
To encourage someone to believe something that is not true, especially regarding romantic feelings, intentions, or hopes, in order to deceive or manipulate them.
More generally, to mislead or give false encouragement to someone; to string someone along. Can be used in non-romantic contexts where someone is given false hope about a future outcome.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in a negative sense, implying deception and insincerity. It suggests an active process of manipulation over a period of time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The collocations and phrasal verb use are identical. The word 'lead' is pronounced with a long 'e' (/liːd/) for the verb.
Connotations
Equally negative and informal in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. Possibly slightly more common in US media/pop culture references to dating.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + lead + [Object] + onto be/get led onVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “string someone along (near-synonym)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, but possible in contexts of false promises about promotions, deals, or partnerships.
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Common in discussions of relationships, dating, and social interactions where trust is broken.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was just leading her on with all those compliments about a future together.
- Don't lead me on about the job if you've already given it to someone else.
American English
- She felt like he'd been leading her on for months with no intention of committing.
- The company led investors on with talk of a huge merger that never happened.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was very nice to her, but he was only leading her on.
- I think he's leading you on; he never calls when he says he will.
- The manager led the team on for weeks, hinting at big bonuses that were never approved.
- Politicians are often accused of leading the public on with unrealistic promises during election campaigns.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dog on a leash: the owner LEADS it ON a walk, promising a fun destination, but then just walks in circles. The dog is misled.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A GUIDED JOURNEY TO NOWHERE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the Russian verb "водить" which simply means 'to lead' or 'to guide'. The phrasal verb "lead on" is a specific idiom of deception. The closest Russian equivalents are phrases like "вести кого-то за нос" or "давать ложные надежды".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lead on' to mean 'to guide' or 'to show the way' (use just 'lead').
- Confusing spelling: 'led on' (past tense) vs. 'lead on' (present).
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is someone most likely 'leading someone on'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it almost always carries a negative connotation of deception or giving false hope. It is not used for genuine encouragement.
It's possible but informal. For example, 'The client led us on for months before canceling the project.' More formal synonyms would be 'misled' or 'gave false assurances to'.
'Lead on' is about creating false expectations, often before a relationship is fully established. 'Cheat on' implies breaking an established commitment or agreement (like in a marriage or exclusive relationship). You can lead someone on without cheating.
The past tense is 'led on'. Example: 'He led her on for a year.' Remember, the metal 'lead' (pronounced /lɛd/) is a different word.