pass the baton
Hand off duties
To pass the baton is to hand off responsibility or leadership to someone else, from the relay race practice of transferring a stick between runners.
The phrase implies continuity—the work continues even as the person changes: She's ready to pass the baton to her successor.
Sometimes just pass the torch.
Transfer of control
- transitionChange from one state
- successorOne who replaces another
- heirOne who receives legacy
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
legacy · torch · predecessor · heir apparent · next generation · mantle · changing of the guard · lineage
Direct physical exchange
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- exchange zoneRelay baton transfer area
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
- trackPath or monitored route
athletics · runner · leg · split time · starting blocks · finish line · heats · qualifiers
Joint intellectual work
- handoffDirect physical exchange
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- partnershipShared business arrangement
shared responsibility · contribute · assist · support · joint effort · cooperation · synergy · mutual
Advice for decisions
- protégéPerson guided by expert
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- knowledge transferConveying expertise to others
- succession planningPreparing for leadership transitions
grooming · coaching · apprentice · wisdom · experience · teaching · next in line
handover
Transfer of control
- transitionChange from one state
- successorOne who replaces another
- heirOne who receives legacy
inheritance · legacy · torch · predecessor · heir apparent · next generation · mantle · changing of the guard · lineage · dynasty
handoff
Direct physical exchange
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- exchange zoneRelay baton transfer area
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
track · athletics · runner · leg · split time · starting blocks · finish line · heats · qualifiers · medley
collaboration
Joint intellectual work
- handoffDirect physical exchange
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
partnership · shared responsibility · contribute · assist · support · joint effort · cooperation · synergy · mutual · combined effort
guidance
Advice for decisions
- protégéPerson guided by expert
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- knowledge transferConveying expertise to others
succession planning · grooming · coaching · apprentice · wisdom · experience · teaching · next in line
pass the batonmicromanage
Excessive oversight of subordinates
hold the reins · hold the fort · gatekeep · overstay one's welcome
pass the batondrop the ball
Fail at a critical moment
leave in the lurch · pull the plug · walk away · cut and run
pass, baton, passed, passing, passer, passes, passable, passage, passenger