LEAD UP

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does lead up mean? 

• LEAD UP (verb)
  The verb LEAD UP has 1 sense:

1. set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for

  Familiarity information: LEAD UP used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LEAD UP (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

initiate; lead up

Context example:

Hitler's attack on Poland led up to World War II

Hypernyms (to "lead up" is one way to...):

initiate; originate; start (bring into being)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

 Context examples 

“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I have to interview the fellow, and I need some lead up to him.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Sutherland.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)