pass the torch (on)

idiom

chiefly US
: to give one's job, duties, etc., to another person
He is retiring and passing the torch on to his successor.
She says she's ready to pass the torch.

Dictionary Entries Near pass the torch (on)

pass the time

pass the torch (on)

pass-through

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pass the torch (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pass%20the%20torch%20%28on%29. Accessed 26 Jan. 2023.

Copy Citation

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of knackered

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Words You Should Know

  • hedgehog reading a book
  • Often used to describe “the march of time,” what does inexorable mean?
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games