lead to something—
1. (of a road, etc.) provide a way for smb. to reach a place:
- She hurried across the square to the street which led to the bridge.
2. be the cause of smth.; result in smth.:
- “Accident proneness” implies the possession of those qualities which lead to an undue number of accidents.
lead up to something—
1. (of a road, etc.) take smb. as far as a place:
- From here you can follow a steep track that leads up to the top of the hill.
2. come before an event:
- In the months leading up to the great ceremony, many people took part in the preparations.
3. prepare to introduce a subject:
- Be careful how you lead up to mentioning a possible rise with your employer.