lead astray

To influence someone to behave badly or break the law.

• Bad friends can lead you astray.
• She was led astray by older boys who stole cars.
• His parents feared that the gang would lead him astray.

How to use it: lead someone astray (His new friends led him astray.)

Similar words: corrupt, be a bad influence on

Common phrases: lead someone astray, lead children astray

To make someone believe something that is not true.

• The false report led us astray.
• Do not let misleading headlines lead you astray.
• Readers were led astray by the inaccurate figures.

How to use it: lead someone astray (Those false figures could lead investors astray.)

Similar words: mislead, deceive

Common phrases: lead someone astray, lead readers astray

To guide someone in the wrong direction or toward an unsuitable choice.

• The wrong directions led us astray.
• Bad advice can lead young artists astray.
• We were led astray by an old sign near the bridge.

How to use it: lead someone astray (The outdated map led the walkers astray.)

Similar words: misguide, misdirect

Common phrases: lead someone astray, lead walkers astray