What does it mean to 'take a lead' off of a base?

What does it mean to 'take a lead' off of a base?

To take a lead off a base is giving you an advantage to get closer to the next base so that you have a better chance of being safe. To take a lead off simply means that you get as far away from the base as you can, but at the same time not too far to where if the pitcher throws over to you or any of the players throw over to that bag, that you can get back safely. You want to take as much of a lead as you can without the jeopardy of getting thrown out back at the base because you're too far off.