lead them astray vs astray

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Lead them astray' implies actively causing someone to go in the wrong direction or make a mistake, while 'astray' is used to describe something that is off course or lost. They are not directly comparable as 'lead them astray' is a complete action while 'astray' is a state of being.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1497 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate leading someone in the wrong direction or causing them to make a mistake.

"lead them astray"

This phrase is used when someone is intentionally causing others to go off course or make a mistake. It implies an active role in misleading others.

Examples:

The false information led them astray.
He tried to lead them astray with his deceptive tactics.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can't lead them astray much longer.
I stayed behind to hold back the Germans, to lead them astray.
People you trust suddenly turn on you with words that mean nothing but which beguile others and lead them astray.
But nationalism dumbs people down and leads them astray, as we have seen on several occasions during this century.
When the herd loses its way, the shepherd must kill the bull that leads them astray.
Love which leads astray, and to death.
He and your wife lead her astray.
I believe that the killer is trying to lead us astray.
But I don't think our Lord would lead us astray.
- can lead you astray? - I think so.
Your misfortune must not lead her astray.
My dear Dominik, she lead me astray, just like she leads you.
People in that business, eyhey'll lead you astray.
So, I am telling you this because we are friends and I wouldn't want our intimacy to lead you astray.
People in that business, they'll lead you astray.
It is not hope that will lead us astray.
"What intoxication leads me astray...?"
Deborah will try and lead you astray, so use bridging words.
Well, I'll never lead you astray Doyle.
Father, forgive us for our many sins, for not being strong when temptation leads us astray.

Alternatives:

mislead them
deceive them
lead them in the wrong direction

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is off course or lost.

"astray"

This word is used to describe something that is off course, lost, or not in the right place. It can refer to physical objects or people who are lost or confused.

Examples:

The dog wandered astray from its owner.
She felt like her life was going astray.

Show examples from the web [+]

I believe that the killer is trying to lead us astray.
With sake and women, they begin to go astray.
Big James, check and see if any calves went astray.
So if he went astray... we all bear some of the blame.
You lead one battalion astray and suddenly the entire War of 1812 goes to the Canadians.
It is not hope that will lead us astray.
I spit on that pig Antony for leading me astray.
Of course, this is business and sometimes things go astray.
I'm worried you might go astray.
Love which leads astray, and to death.
However, this is exactly what is leading the people of Europe astray.
Hook may have led us astray, but at least we're in a good position - to start combing the jungle.
Yes. Ms. Crozier, we seem to have run astray here.
We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray.
With reference to citizen Gralak who, for a few months now, has been secretly seeing my daughter and leading her astray.
I do not believe that 'Standards before Status' is the only way; so far, it has led us astray.
who'll gain your trust, quietly lead you astray.
And as for you, Poppy, I don't know whether to be pleased that you've finally made some friends here, or furious that you've led them astray.
(When love leads us astray and there is no way forward)
For 14 years, my client was an exemplary member of this police department, so why would he hypothetically go astray?

Alternatives:

off course
lost
off track

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lead them astray vs astray

"lead them astray"

"astray"

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