pick up the mantle
Take over duties
To pick up the mantle is to assume a role, responsibility, or cause from someone who held it before you.
The image comes from the biblical prophet Elijah passing his cloak to his successor Elisha.
Someone picks up the mantle when they continue another's work or legacy: After the founder retired, his daughter picked up the mantle.
The phrase often implies carrying forward something significant or demanding.
- carryMove while supporting
- carry the torchPerpetuate a cause
- torchbearerCarrier of a cause
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- replacePut something else there
baton · inherit · command · take charge · charge · assumption · succession · next in line · step · perpetuate · uphold · stewardship · carry forward · take the reins · continuation · legacy · embrace · assume
pick up the mantlewalk away from
Voluntarily leave a situation
turn one's back on · wash one's hands of · leave in the lurch · abandon ship · give up the fight
pick up the mantleabdicate
Formally renounce authority
step down · pass the buck · pass the torch · bow out · walk away
pick up the mantlegive up the fight
turn traitor · defect · capitulate · surrender · throw in the towel
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