The spelling of the phrase "lead away" is somewhat confusing as it is pronounced differently than it is spelled. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "lead" is pronounced as /liːd/ with a long "ee" sound, whereas the word "lead" meaning a metal is pronounced as /lɛd/ with a short "e" sound. When combined with "away", the phrase is pronounced as /lɛd əˈweɪ/, emphasizing the short "e" sound in "lead". Hence, it is essential to understand the context in which the term is used to avoid confusion.
The phrase "lead away" refers to the act of guiding or directing someone or something away from a specific place or situation. It implies taking control and pulling or leading someone or something in a different direction, often due to a change in circumstances, a need for protection, or the desire to distance oneself from something or someone.
In a literal sense, "lead away" can be used to describe physically guiding or pulling a person, animal, or object to move in a particular direction away from its current position. This can be done by holding their hand, leash, or reins, for instance, and leading them away from a dangerous or undesirable situation. Metaphorically, the phrase can be applied to situations where someone guides or persuades another person to move away from a certain attitude, belief, or behavior that may be seen as harmful or unproductive.
The term "lead away" can also be used in a more abstract sense, representing the act of distracting or luring someone's attention or focus from one thing to another. This can involve diverting someone's thoughts or interests away from an undesirable topic or redirecting their energy towards a more desirable or constructive activity.
Overall, "lead away" encompasses the idea of taking the initiative to guide or direct someone or something away from a particular situation, place, mindset, or behavior in order to achieve a different outcome, ensure safety, or promote personal growth and development.
The word "lead away" consists of two main components: "lead" and "away".
The word "lead" comes from the Old English word "lǣdan", which means "to guide" or "to show the way". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "laithan" and is also related to Old High German "leiten" and Dutch "leiden".
The word "away" is derived from the Old English word "onweg" or "æweg", which means "from this or that place" or "off" or "aside". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "weg" and is related to the Old Norse "ǫg", Old High German "uwag", and Dutch "weg".