mantle of responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"mantle of responsibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who has taken on a duty, role or responsibility which they never asked for but must accept. For example, "When the CEO retired, the mantle of responsibility was passed on to his children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I suggest they call upon National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) to step in and adopt the mantle of responsibility.

The Guardian

We desire to charge men to take up this mantle of responsibility!" Magnusson hopes that people who view his portraits can try to understand the people in them, whether they agree with the practice or not.

Independent

Lustig, before his early death, in 1955, put it more grandly yet: If I seem to place a heavy mantle of responsibility on the shoulders of those who are really only expected to make nice shapes and colors, it is because history demands it.

The New Yorker

Lustig, before his early death, in 1955, put it more grandly yet: **{:.break one} ** If I seem to place a heavy mantle of responsibility on the shoulders of those who are really only expected to make nice shapes and colors, it is because history demands it.

The New Yorker

"One of the most interesting things for me was to connect my memory of the man 35 years ago to the evolved person he has become, someone who has assumed a mantle of responsibility that very few of us can imagine," said Mr. Anderson, who painted the portrait in his Darien studio using a photograph and notes taken during a visit to the president's ranch in Crawford, Tex.

The New York Times

In February next year the mantle of responsibility is set to pass to the Bank's first chairwoman, Janet Yellen.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

An L.L.C. can invest in for-profit companies (perhaps these will be characterized as societally responsible companies, but lots of companies claim the mantle of societal responsibility).

The New York Times

In advocating Social Security "reform," President Bush hypocritically wraps himself in the mantle of fiscal responsibility.

The New York Times

I think he is trying to reclaim the mantle of fiscal responsibility on the cheap".

The New York Times

By promising to splurge more money, Mr Kerry deserves to lose any claim to the mantle of fiscal responsibility.

The Economist

While Mr. Corzine said the move is necessary to avoid the prospect of big property-tax increases, Republicans are using the plan to seize the mantle of fiscal responsibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mantle of responsibility" to convey a sense of formal duty or significant obligation being passed on or assumed, especially in leadership or critical roles. It adds a layer of gravitas to the responsibility being described.

Common error

Avoid using "mantle of responsibility" in trivial or everyday situations. The phrase is best suited for scenarios involving leadership, significant duties, or formal obligations. For everyday tasks, simpler expressions like "taking charge" or "being responsible" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mantle of responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the assumption of a significant duty or obligation. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in contexts where someone is inheriting or taking on a major role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mantle of responsibility" is a phrase that conveys the assumption of a significant duty or obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in news, business, and wiki contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, best suited for describing important duties or leadership roles. Related phrases include "burden of responsibility" and "weight of accountability". Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding trivial situations where simpler expressions would suffice. Ludwig's analysis further highlights its usage patterns and provides authoritative sources for context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burden of responsibility

Replaces "mantle" with "burden", emphasizing the weight or difficulty associated with the responsibility.

weight of accountability

Substitutes "mantle" with "weight" and "responsibility" with "accountability", highlighting the obligation to answer for one's actions.

shouldering the burden

Replaces "mantle" with "burden" and uses the verb "shouldering" to emphasize the act of carrying the responsibility.

duty to act

Focuses on the obligation to take action, omitting the imagery of a "mantle".

embracing the obligation

Focuses on the willingness to accept and fulfill the duty.

onus of obligation

Replaces "mantle" with "onus" and uses "obligation" instead of "responsibility", stressing the demanding nature of the duty.

task of leadership

Highlights the responsibility associated with leading others.

cross to bear

Emphasizes the challenging or sacrificial aspect of the responsibility.

demands of the position

Focuses on the requirements and expectations associated with a particular role.

taking ownership

Highlights the act of accepting responsibility and control.

FAQs

How can I use "mantle of responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "mantle of responsibility" to describe someone who has taken on a significant duty or obligation. For example, "After the founder's departure, she assumed the "mantle of responsibility" for the entire organization."

What's a good alternative to "mantle of responsibility"?

Alternatives include "burden of responsibility", "weight of accountability", or "duty to act", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mantle of responsibility" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "mantle of responsibility" is more suitable for formal or serious contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "taking charge" or "being accountable" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "take up the mantle of responsibility"?

To "take up the mantle of responsibility" means to accept and embrace a significant duty or obligation, often one that involves leadership or critical decision-making.