Precede (4,2,2)
I believe the answer is:
lead up to
'precede' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for lead up to that I've seen before include "Serve as preparation, or direct conversation towards" , "prepare in stages" , "Serve as introduction to or preparation for" , "Gradually approach" , "Anticipate" .)