lead up to

/ liːd /

verb

1. to act as a preliminary or introduction to
2. to approach (a topic) gradually or cautiously

Idioms and Phrases

Prepare gradually for, result in gradually, as in These events clearly led up to the coup , or His remarks led up to the main point of the speech, that he was going to resign next year . [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

This year she reached the fourth round of Wimbledon and a world ranking of 58th despite a recent foot injury and choosing a minimal schedule in the lead up to the US Open.

From BBC

In the lead up to acquiring Infowars, Collins, a former NBC News reporter, said he had spoken to Sandy Hook victims' family members, who he said expressed support for the bid.

From Salon

In the lead up to Diwali, people clean and organise their homes.

From BBC

Ten-year-old Sara Sharif had suffered a series of bone fractures in the lead up to her death, a court has heard.

From BBC

A 10-year-old girl who allegedly died at the hands of her father, stepmother and uncle wore a hijab to hide facial injuries she received in the lead up to her death, a court has heard.

From BBC