Swing the lead is a phrase that is used to describe someone who is idling or avoiding work. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning. Some of these synonyms include dodging work, shirking duties, loafing around, slacking off, goofing off, playing hooky, being lazy, and taking it easy. Each of these phrases can be used in different contexts, depending on the situation and the person involved. For instance, dodging work may be used to describe someone who is trying to evade responsibility, while playing hooky may be used to describe someone who is skipping school or work without permission. Regardless of the phrase that is used, swing the lead is a behavior that is often frowned upon, as it can lead to negative consequences.