to be the first to fight in a battle; to lead the way or take the initiative in an activity

to fire the first shot; to be the first to speak or act, especially when speaking up at a meeting

The leader of a group or the person in charge of a group of workers (often colloquial)

a wind blowing from the front that slows down travel; headwind

misfortune seldom comes alone; literally, a slow boat meeting a headwind