{"id":3719,"date":"2022-05-18T16:15:25","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T16:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=3719"},"modified":"2022-05-18T16:15:25","modified_gmt":"2022-05-18T16:15:25","slug":"pass-the-baton-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/pass-the-baton-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Pass the Baton \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for a way to tell someone to pass on their responsibility to another competent person? If so, you could use the phrase \u201cpass the baton<\/em>\u201d to tell them to let go. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

When you \u201cpass the baton<\/em>\u201d to someone, you are handing over the responsibility of something to another person. You are relieving yourself of command and trusting the other person to continue the task or project as well as you, if not better.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a way of saying that you\u2019re passing on your legacy to someone else, like your son. The meaning of the expression. The phrase may refer to the action taken of passing the baton in a relay race. Essentially, you\u2019re passing responsibility and accountability for the project or task onto someone else.<\/p>\n

Passing the baton can also refer to a transition of property through the generations. For instance, passing down an inheritance or company to your kids or leaving your home to a relative.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cSon, by giving you this watch, I pass the baton through the generations. This watch was my father's, and now it\u2019s yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe manager needs to pass the baton to Elaine and let her take the reins. He needs to learn how to delegate and abdicate authority to give himself a break.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a big responsibility to be a good role model for your kids. When you pass the baton to the next generation, you want them to grow up with the same morals and values.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPass the baton and forget about it. There\u2019s no reason to hold onto it. It\u2019s out of your control now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe pass the baton onto Korea for the next world games. We think they will make a fine host for the next event.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you pass the baton to the next person in line, you tell them that you value their contribution to the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to understand that when we pass the baton to the next generation, they inherit all the bad things in our society and the good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \u201cpass the baton\u201d has disputed origins. Many language experts believe it\u2019s a variation of the older saying, \u201cpass the torch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pass the torch originates from the Greek race of passing the torch, which we commemorate through the modern competition of the Olympics.<\/p>\n

The phrase has been in use as \u201cpass the torch\u201d from at least the 1800s. It\u2019s thought that this changed to \u201cbaton\u201d with the sport evolving into the Olympic event of baton racing.<\/p>\n

Some language experts believe, that passing the baton became the preferred version sometime in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n