Meaning
To get ahead of others in a competition or undertaking.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the term is heavily used in the context of 'La Liga' (soccer). Sports newspapers like Marca or AS use it daily to describe the title race between Real Madrid and Barcelona. In Argentina, you might hear 'primerear' as a more informal, slangy version of taking the lead, often implying you beat someone to an advantage. In Mexican business culture, taking the lead is often associated with 'ser movido' (being proactive/energetic). It is a highly valued trait in the startup scene in Mexico City. In Colombia, the phrase is common in cycling commentary, a sport where Colombians excel. It carries a lot of national pride when a 'escarabajo' (Colombian cyclist) takes the lead in the Tour de France.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Me gusta tomar la delantera en proyectos innovadores' makes you sound proactive and confident.
Don't change the gender
Never say 'tomar el delantero'. It's a common mistake that changes the meaning to 'taking the soccer player'.
Meaning
To get ahead of others in a competition or undertaking.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Me gusta tomar la delantera en proyectos innovadores' makes you sound proactive and confident.
Don't change the gender
Never say 'tomar el delantero'. It's a common mistake that changes the meaning to 'taking the soccer player'.
Sports Commentary
If you watch Spanish sports, listen for this phrase. It's the most common way to describe a change in the lead.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'tomar'.
Ayer, mi empresa ________ la delantera en el sector tecnológico.
We use the preterite 'tomó' because it refers to a specific completed action in the past (ayer).
¿Cuál es el significado de 'tomar la delantera' en esta frase?
'El corredor keniano tomó la delantera en el kilómetro 5.'
In a race context, it means moving into the first position.
Completa el diálogo con la opción más natural.
Socio A: 'La competencia va a lanzar un producto similar.' Socio B: 'Entonces nosotros debemos ________ y lanzarlo antes.'
The correct fixed expression is 'tomar la delantera'.
Empareja la situación con la frase correcta.
Situación: Un político sube en las encuestas y ahora es el favorito.
'Tomar la delantera' is used for leading in polls. 'Tomar la palabra' means to speak, and 'tomar el pelo' means to tease.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAyer, mi empresa ________ la delantera en el sector tecnológico.
We use the preterite 'tomó' because it refers to a specific completed action in the past (ayer).
'El corredor keniano tomó la delantera en el kilómetro 5.'
In a race context, it means moving into the first position.
Socio A: 'La competencia va a lanzar un producto similar.' Socio B: 'Entonces nosotros debemos ________ y lanzarlo antes.'
The correct fixed expression is 'tomar la delantera'.
Situación: Un político sube en las encuestas y ahora es el favorito.
'Tomar la delantera' is used for leading in polls. 'Tomar la palabra' means to speak, and 'tomar el pelo' means to tease.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. While it implies competition, it's generally seen as a positive trait of leadership and initiative.
It's a bit clinical. Better to use 'dar el primer paso' (take the first step) for romantic contexts.
'Ganar' means to win the whole thing. 'Tomar la delantera' means you are winning *right now* or have moved to the front, but the race isn't over.
Yes, 'tomó la delantera' is very common to describe how someone won or gained an advantage in the past.
Yes, it is a universal Spanish expression understood from Spain to Argentina.
Absolutely. It is standard professional Spanish for describing market leadership.
Yes, it can mean 'front part' (of a car/building) or 'forward line' (in sports).
You can say 'perder la delantera'.
In some places, 'sacar los pies del plato' or 'primerear' can carry similar nuances of getting ahead.
Usually 'en' (in) or 'respecto a' (with respect to). E.g., 'Tomar la delantera en la carrera'.
Related Phrases
Llevar la delantera
similarTo be in the lead (ongoing state).
Ponerse a la cabeza
synonymTo put oneself at the head/front.
Quedarse atrás
contrastTo fall behind.
Tomar la iniciativa
builds onTo take the initiative.
