Pass the torch

Meaning

The idiom "pass the torch" means to transfer or give something (such as responsibility, knowledge, or authority) from one person to another. It can also mean to pass away or die. This idiom is derived from the practice of ancient Greek and Roman gladiators passing a flaming torch between them during their combats as a symbol of passing on their skills and martial arts traditions.

Usage

• John was the leader of the team, but after he retired, he passed the torch to his son who took over the role.
• The company is going through some changes, and the old CEO will pass the torch to the new one next month.
• Sarah was an expert in photography, and she passed the torch to her student who became a professional photographer himself.
• After years of service, the firefighter passed the torch to his colleague who had just joined the department.
• The historical significance of this idiom can be seen during the Olympics, where the Olympic Flame is passed from one country to another until it reaches the host country, symbolizing the continuation of the Olympic Games.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "pass the torch" dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where gladiators would pass a flaming torch between them during their combats as a symbol of passing on their skills and martial arts traditions. Over time, this practice evolved into a metaphor for passing something (such as responsibility, knowledge, or authority) from one person to another. The idiom has been in use since at least the 16th century, with earlier forms being "torchbearer" and "flame-bearer."

Synonyms in English

• Pass on
• Transfer
• Hand over
• Relinquish
• Yield

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "transmettre" - to transmit or transfer something
• Spanish: "pasar" - to pass or transfer something
• German: "übergabe" - transfer or handover of something
• Italian: "trasmissione" - transmission or passing on of something
• Chinese: "传统" - tradition or passing on of culture and knowledge from one generation to the next

Similar Idioms

• pay as you go

• paint the town red

• piece of writing