3 synonym groups for Metaphor

am Steuer, am Steuer sitzen, das Sagen haben, am Ruder sein, an den Hebeln der Macht sitzen, die Kontrolle haben, den Ton angeben, federführend sein, die Zügel in der Hand haben

clearing a path, creating a path, forging a path, paving the way, opening the way, clearing the way, blazing a trail, making inroads, breaking new ground

preparing the ground, laying the groundwork, opening the door, setting the stage, clearing the way, making way, leading the way