lead on

To make someone think you want a romantic relationship when you do not.

• She was leading him on.
• Do you like me, or are you just leading me on?
• He led her on even though he was already married.

How to use it: lead someone on (I stopped flirting because I did not want to lead him on.)

Similar words: string along

Common phrases: lead someone on, lead a friend on

To make someone believe something false, often by giving them hope that something good will happen.

• They led us on with false promises.
• The agent is leading buyers on about the likely price.
• Were you leading me on about that job?

How to use it: lead someone on (The seller led us on with promises of a quick profit.)

Similar words: mislead, deceive

Common phrases: lead someone on, lead people on

To guide someone further along a path or towards a place.

• Lead on; we will follow.
• She led us on through the forest.
• The guide led the group on towards the lake.

How to use it: lead someone on to somewhere (The guide led us on to the next village.)

Similar words: guide, lead forward

Common phrases: lead someone on, lead on ahead