Meanings
verbpass the torch (third-person singular simple present passes the torch, present participle passing the torch, simple past and past participle passed the torch)
present singular third person passes the torch · participle present passing the torch · participle past passed the torch · past passed the torch
- figurativelyidiomaticTo transfer responsibility.
Synonyms: pass the mantle, step down, stand aside, pass the baton
Synonyms & antonyms
verbTo transfer responsibility.
Translations
Finnish antaa kapula eteenpäin
- antaa kapula eteenpäintransfer responsibility
French passer le flambeau, passer le relais
- passer le flambeautransfer responsibility
- passer le relaistransfer responsibility
- passer la maintransfer responsibility
German die Fackel weiterreichen, das Zepter weiterreichen
- die Fackel weiterreichentransfer responsibility
- das Zepter weiterreichentransfer responsibility
Italian passare il testimone
- passare il testimonetransfer responsibility
Cite this entry
APA
pass the torch. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pass%20the%20torch
MLA
“pass the torch.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pass%20the%20torch. Accessed November 5, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “pass the torch,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pass%20the%20torch.
Source: pass the torch on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.