What are the opposite words for leading the way?

Antonyms for the phrase "leading the way" could be "following behind" or "lagging behind." "Following behind" suggests that someone is not in a leadership position and is instead trailing behind the person who is leading. "Lagging behind" may imply that the individual is not keeping up with the leader or falling behind in their efforts. Other antonyms could include "losing traction," "falling short," or "not taking initiative." These terms all indicate a lack of progress or the inability to lead effectively. In contrast, synonyms for "leading the way" include "pioneering," "setting the standard," and "forging ahead.