Use 'lead off' when someone takes the first step in an activity or conversation.

Initiative Action

'Lead off' is often used to describe the start of formal or planned gatherings.

Meeting Context

In baseball, 'lead off' refers to the first batter or the start of an inning.

The sporting use of 'lead off' is mainly heard in American English, reflecting baseball's popularity there.

Use 'lead off' to indicate where a path or road originates and the direction it goes.

It's useful to describe the starting point of geographical features like roads, rivers, or paths.

'Lead off' also suggests removing the leash from a pet to give it freedom.

Implies that it's safe to let a pet roam freely in the mentioned area.