Main entry: in the lead, leading, ahead
Definition: having the leading position or higher score in a contest
Usage: he is ahead by a pawn; the leading team in the pennant race
Main entry: out front, ahead, in the lead
Definition: leading or ahead in a competition
Usage: the horse was three lengths ahead going into the home stretch; ahead by two pawns; our candidate is in the lead in the polls; way out front in the race; the advertising campaign put them out front in sales