play the lead

Meaning

This phrase means to act as the principal or most important character in a theatrical play, movie, musical, or television show. The person who does this is called the 'lead actor' or 'lead actress.'

Examples

• She was thrilled to find out she was chosen to play the lead in the school play.

  She was thrilled to find out she was chosen to play the lead in the school play.

• Who is going to play the lead in the new superhero movie?

  Who is going to play the lead in the new superhero movie?

• He has been acting for years, but this is his first time to play the lead.

  He has been acting for years, but this is his first time to play the lead.

• The director wanted a famous actor to play the lead to attract more viewers.

  The director wanted a famous actor to play the lead to attract more viewers.

• She did an amazing job when she had to play the lead on such short notice.

  She did an amazing job when she had to play the lead on such short notice.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He will play the leader in the upcoming action movie.

  ✓ He will play the lead in the upcoming action movie.

  'Leader' refers to a person who guides or commands a group (like a boss or president). In acting, the main role is called 'the lead'.

• ✗ She wants to act the lead in the Broadway musical.

  ✓ She wants to play the lead in the Broadway musical.

  The standard, natural collocation is 'play the lead', not 'act the lead'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It is a dream come true for any young actor to ___ in a Hollywood film.

  💡 Act as the main character.

  Show answer

  play the lead

• Did they decide who will ___ in the upcoming drama series?

  💡 Be the main star of the show.

  Show answer

  play the lead