(lead up to something) if events, problems, actions, etc. lead up to an important event, they happen one after another in a way that makes it possible for the event to happen
The negotiationsleading up to the contract were very tough.
Synonyms and related words
To happen before something else
precede
lead up to
predate
2
(lead up to something) to happen or exist immediately before something
In the weeksleading up to graduation I did very little.
Synonyms and related words
To happen before something else
precede
lead up to
predate
3
(lead up to something) to gradually direct a conversation toward a particular subject, especially one that is difficult or embarrassing
I knew he was leading up to something, but I had no idea what.
Synonyms and related words
To mention something, or to be mentioned
mention
refer to
invoke
lead up to
phrasal verb transitive
Word Forms
present tense
I/you/we/they
lead up to
he/she/it
leads up to
present participle
leading up to
past tense
led up to
past participle
led up to
DEFINITIONS3
1
(lead up to something) if events, problems, actions etc lead up to an important event, they happen one after another in a way that makes it possible for the event to happen
The negotiationsleading up to the contract were very tough.
Synonyms and related words
To happen before something else
precede
lead up to
predate
2
(lead up to something) to happen or exist immediately before something
In the weeksleading up to graduation I did very little.
Synonyms and related words
To happen before something else
precede
lead up to
predate
3
(lead up to something) to gradually direct a conversation towards a particular subject, especially one that is difficult or embarrassing
I knew he was leading up to something, but I had no idea what.