Lead up to Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫɛd/, /ˈɫid/ /ˈəp/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ

LED-up-too, LEED-up-too, LED-up-tuh, LEED-up-tuh, LED-up-tih, LEED-up-tih

UK

lɛd/ /ˈʌp/ /tˈuː

LED-up-TOO

Definition

To happen or exist before something important, preparing for or causing it. Refers to events or actions leading directly to a main event.

Usage & Nuances

Used mostly for describing the period or events before a key moment, often with 'the days/weeks/months that lead up to (something)'. Not for literal leading; it's figurative. Avoid confusing with 'lead to' (which skips the idea of preparation).

• Spanish: conducir a - preceder a
• Portuguese (BR): levar a - anteceder
• Portuguese (PT): levar a - anteceder
• Chinese (Simplified): 导致 - 引发（事情发生前的过程）
• Chinese (Traditional): 導致 - 引發（事情發生前的過程）
• Hindi: की ओर ले जाना - से पहले की घटनाएँ
• Arabic: يؤدي إلى - يسبق
• Bengali: প্রাক্কাল - পূর্ববর্তী ঘটনা হিসাবে ঘটানো
• Russian: подготавливать к - приводить к (в смысле подготовки)
• Japanese: 〜に至るまでの - 〜に至る過程
• Vietnamese: dẫn đến (theo quá trình) - chuẩn bị cho
• Korean: 직전까지의 - 준비하는 (사건/기간)
• Turkish: (öncesinde) yol açmak - (öncesinde) hazırlamak
• Urdu: اختتامیہ تک جانے والا - تیاری کے طور پر
• Indonesian: menjelang - menuju (dalam arti persiapan)

Example Sentences

The weeks that lead up to the exam are always busy.

basic

Many discussions lead up to the final decision.

basic

He explained the events that led up to the accident.

basic

There was a lot of tension leading up to the announcement.

natural

All the small mistakes led up to the big problem.

natural

I was so nervous during the hours leading up to my interview.

natural