pass the torch (on)

: move, proceed, go

: to go away : depart

: die

: a means (such as an opening, road, or channel) by which a barrier may be passed or access to a place may be gained

: a position to be held usually against odds

: realization

: the act or an instance of passing : passage

: a usually distressing or bad state of affairs

: a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau

: something (such as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance

: any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame — compare blowtorch

: to set fire to with or as if with a torch