took up the mantle
Inherited the role
Took up the mantle means to assume a role, responsibility, or cause previously held by someone else.
The image is of receiving a cloak passed from one person to another—a symbol of inherited authority or mission: After her mentor retired, she took up the mantle of leading the organization.
Often implies continuing important work or carrying on a legacy.
- passing the torchTransferring responsibility to another
- torchHandheld burning light source
- carry the torchPerpetuate a cause
- cloakSleeveless outer wrap
- stepFoot movement forward
step into shoes · perpetuation · weight · inheritance · hands · carry forward · continuity · succession · next in line · rightful heir · assume · banner · obligation · sworn duty · stewardship · burden · captaincy · accountability
took up the mantleturned away
Refused admission or attention
walked away from · demurred · backed away · shied away from · stood aside
took up the mantleabdicated
Relinquished power formally
stepped down · stepped aside · stood aside · bowed out · passed the buck
took, taken, undertook, undertaken, uptake, retook, retaken, mantle, mantles