pass the torch


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pass the torch

To transfer or bestow one's role, position, responsibilities, etc., to someone else. Gina is retiring next month, and she's 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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

pass the torch

To relinquish (responsibilities, for example) to another or others.
See also: pass, torch
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive ?
Next month I will pass the torch officially and end my tour as chief of Air Force Reserve and commander, Air Force Reserve Command.
Passing the torch
In a statement to the nation quoted by the Belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique, Albert said that he would "pass the torch to the following generation" citing his age and health, which do not allow him to perform his duties as consitutional monarch.
King Of Belgium Abdicates: Albert II Steps Down In Favor Of Son, Prince Philippe
The award goes to the lawmaker "who has worked to preserve and build public trust in the institution of the state legislature and whose career embodies the highest principles of leadership--integrity, compassion, vision and courage." Naifeh, 72, said the time had come to "pass the torch to the next generation of leaders."
Jimmy Naifeh, the longest serving speaker
Formerly the largest bank by assets in the GCC, as well as Jordan and Lebanon, Emirates NBD has had to pass the torch after being overtaken by Qatar National Bank (QNB) and National Commercial Bank (NCB).
Emirates NBD's 2011 net profits up six per cent
Cassano - a man once beautifully summed up by the description that 'he is so hot-headed they have to put fire retardant in his hair gel' - has sadly, for Manchester City fans, decided to map out who to pass the torch on to when he finally stops being the biggest walking controversy on the block in international football.
Cassano names his heir
"Several more experienced activists and community leaders have told us that they feel excited about being able to pass the torch to or share leadership with these young leaders."
New leaders created in program that focuses on young people
She's not ready to pass the torch yet, and probably never will be.
Robin Tyler: comic-activist: three decades on the stage and one on the front lines
With "Desert Warriors," the Nigerian-born activist says he hopes to pass the torch to a younger generation of environmentalists.
TV 'warriors' feel the heat
To give responsibility to someone or pass the torch requires trust and commitment.
Changing the world with words
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