assume the mantle
Accept the role
To assume the mantle is to take on a role, responsibility, or position of authority—especially one previously held by someone else.
The image comes from ceremonial robes passed from one leader to another: After her mentor retired, she assumed the mantle of department chair.
Often implies inheriting not just a title but expectations and legacy: He assumed the mantle of family patriarch after his father's death.
- carry the torchPerpetuate a cause
- inheritReceive from predecessor
- next in linePositioned to succeed immediately
- embraceHold closely in arms
- succeedAchieve a desired aim
passing the baton · undertake · successor · take over · leadership · role · investiture · responsibility · follow · accountability · anointment · authority · enthronement · stewardship · cloak · torch · obligation · shoulder the burden
assume the mantleabdicate
Formally renounce authority
resign · step down · renounce · stand down · retire
assume, assumed, assumes, assuming, assumption, assumptions, assumptive, mantle, mantles