pass the torch

pass the torch

To transfer or bestow one's position or responsibilitie to someone else. Because Gina is retiring, she is passing the torch to me as head of the department. My grandmother is unable to stand long enough to cook such a large meal, so she's passing the torch to us to make Thanksgiving dinner this year.

See also: pass, torch

pass the torch

Also, hand on the torch. Relinquish responsibilities, a tradition, practice, or knowledge to another. For example, When the company's founder became too ill to continue, he passed the torch to his nephew . This metaphoric expression alludes to the ancient Greek torch race, in which a lighted torch was passed from one runner to the next. A translation from both Greek and Latin, the English version dates from the late 1800s.

See also: pass, torch

pass the torch to someone

If you pass the torch to someone, you pass responsibility for something to them. Note: The torch referred to in these expressions is a long stick with burning material at one end which provides a light. This kind of torch is sometimes used in processions or parades. Supposedly, he would pass the torch to LeMond, seven years his junior.

See also: pass, someone, torch

pass the torch

To relinquish (responsibilities, for example) to another or others.

See also: pass, torch