The phrase lead astray refers to causing someone to deviate from the right path, often by deceiving, misleading, or seducing them into unethical or immoral behavior. It implies guiding someone toward actions that are harmful or wrong, whether by trickery, manipulation, or seductive influence. The phrase is often used to describe situations where a person is led to make poor decisions or adopt negative behavior, usually against their better judgment. It is frequently used in contexts where someone is misled in a way that compromises their integrity or moral values.
Example Sentences Using Lead astray (seduce/deceive):
- The con artist led him astray, convincing him to invest in a fraudulent scheme.
- She feared that her friends would lead her astray and cause her to make reckless choices.
- The charming stranger tried to lead her astray, promising her a life of excitement but without regard for her morals.
- The cult leader led astray many vulnerable followers, manipulating them into giving up everything for his cause.
- They were led astray by false promises and ended up in a dangerous situation.
- The corrupt politicians led the public astray with their lies and false promises.
- He felt guilty for leading her astray, knowing she was now involved in things she would normally avoid.
- The persuasive advertisement led me astray, making me believe that the product was much better than it actually was.
- His deceitful actions led her astray, causing her to make decisions she later regretted.
- She worried that his charms would lead her astray, making her forget her responsibilities and values.
Synonyms for Lead astray (seduce/deceive):
- Mislead
- Deceive
- Seduce
- Tempt
- Misguide
- Delude
- Lead off course
- Sway
- Convince wrongly
- Take off track
Antonyms for Lead astray (seduce/deceive):
- Guide
- Lead on the right path
- Advise correctly
- Direct
- Steer right
- Show the way
- Illuminate
- Help
- Support
- Encourage in the right direction
Related Words:
- Deception
- Misguidance
- Seduction
- Temptation
- Manipulation
- Falsehood
- Corruption
- Influence
- Trickery
- Betrayal
Phrasal Verbs:
- Lead someone on (e.g., He led her on, making her believe he was serious when he wasn’t.)
- Pull someone into (e.g., She pulled him into a world of lies and deceit, leading him astray.)
- Talk into (e.g., She talked him into making a bad decision, leading him astray.)
- Take someone for a ride (e.g., The scam artist took him for a ride, leading him astray into a bad deal.)
- Throw off course (e.g., His lies threw her off course, leading her astray from her original goals.)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Get lost in the shuffle” (to be misled or distracted by influences that cause one to lose focus or direction)
- “Lead down the garden path” (to mislead or deceive someone by making them believe something that isn’t true)
- “Pull the wool over someone’s eyes” (to deceive or trick someone, often causing them to make misguided decisions)
- “Bait and switch” (to deceive someone by promising one thing and then offering something else, often leading them astray)
- “Throw someone off the scent” (to mislead or confuse someone, diverting them from the truth or correct path)