lead off

For a room or path to connect directly to another space or route.

• Two rooms lead off the hall.
• A small track led off from the road.
• Where do the stairs that lead off this corridor go?

How to use it: lead off something (Three rooms lead off the corridor.); lead off from something (A narrow path leads off from the main road.)

Similar words: branch off, open off

Common phrases: lead off a corridor, lead off from something

To speak or act first, often to begin a discussion or event.

• Who will lead off?
• She led off with a funny story.
• A local singer will lead off the concert.

How to use it: lead off with something (She led off with a question.); lead off something (A short speech will lead off the meeting.)

Similar words: begin, start, open

Common phrases: lead off with, lead off a discussion

To be the first player to bat in a baseball inning.

• Sam will lead off this inning.
• She led off the fifth inning with a single.
• Who is leading off when our team bats again?

How to use it: lead off an inning (She led off the third inning.); lead off with something (He led off with a double.)

Similar words: bat first

Common phrases: lead off an inning, lead off with something

The player listed first to bat for a baseball team.

• Our lead off is fast.
• The manager chose a new lead off for the team.
• Their lead off hitter usually gets on base.

Similar words: leadoff batter

Common phrases: lead off hitter, team’s lead off

The first player to bat in a particular part of a baseball game called an inning.

• The lead off hit a single.
• Our lead off for the seventh inning struck out.
• Who is the lead off in the next inning?

Similar words: leadoff batter

Common phrases: inning’s lead off, lead off batter

The distance a baseball runner moves away from a base before the next play.

• He took a short lead off.
• Her lead off from first base was too large.
• The pitcher watched the runner’s lead off closely.

Similar words: lead

Common phrases: take a lead off, short lead off

The first story, programme, or other item in a planned broadcast.

• The election story is our lead off.
• The producer changed the lead off before the evening bulletin.
• What is the lead off for tomorrow’s radio broadcast?

Similar words: opening item

Common phrases: broadcast’s lead off, lead off story