Pronunciation: [lˈɛd ˈɒn] (IPA) 
The words "led on" are often misspelled as "lead on," but the correct spelling is with only one "a." The pronunciation of "led" is /lɛd/, with a short "e" sound. The word "on" is pronounced /ɑn/, with a short "a" sound. "Led on" is a phrasal verb that means to deceive or manipulate someone into believing something that is not true. Always double-check your spelling to avoid confusing words with similar sounds.
Led on is a phrasal verb with multiple interpretations, both literal and figurative. The primary definition refers to the act of guiding or directing someone or something in a particular direction, either physically or metaphorically. In a physical sense, it implies leading or showing the way, often taking the role of a guide. For example, a tour guide can lead on a group of tourists through a historical site, providing them with information and pointing out important landmarks. Similarly, a hiker can be led on a trail by following a guide or marked path.
The figurative meaning of "led on" encompasses situations where someone is deceived, misled, or given false hope. It implies that an individual has been lured or enticed into believing something that is not entirely true or genuine. This could involve leading someone to believe in a false promise, causing them to have expectations that may not be fulfilled. For instance, if someone gives false encouragement in a romantic relationship, making the other person believe in a future together, they can be said to have led them on.
In summary, "led on" can refer to physically guiding or showing the way, or to the act of deceiving or misleading someone by creating false hope or expectations. The context in which the phrase is used determines whether it is interpreted literally or figuratively.
The phrase "led on" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "led" and "on".
The word "led" comes from the past tense of the verb "lead", which originates from Old English "lǣdan". In Middle English, the spelling of "lǣdan" evolved to "leden" or "led". It means to guide, direct, or show the way.
On the other hand, the preposition "on" has a complex etymology, stemming from Old English "on", which had a variety of meanings such as "in, into, onto", indicating position or movement toward something.
When these two words are combined, "led on" typically conveys the idea of being guided, enticed, or deceived to believe someone or something that leads to a particular outcome or action. The phrase often implies manipulation or deception.
