taking over the baton

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking over the baton" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the transfer of responsibility or authority from one person to the next. For example: "The CEO will be taking over the baton from the current president later this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Pirates have also stolen votes from the Free Democrats, taking over the baton of civil liberties that the Free Democrats abandoned several years ago in favor of business interests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Having taken over the baton from Rogge, the man with the musical surname has promised to "conduct the IOC in this way of participation, dialogue, consensus and motivation".

Independent

On Dec. 29 Stanley Sperber takes over the baton for an evening of works by Mozart and Ralph Vaughan Williams at the new Jerusalem Theater complex.

The New York Times - Travel

There is a first half of Rimsky-Korsakov, Vaughan Williams and Percy Grainger, conducted by Jonathon Heyward, before Jonathan Cohen takes over the baton for Bach's Easter Oratorio.

The Guardian

Triple Commonwealth gold medallist distance runner Kirsty Wade takes over the baton in Llandrindod Wells on Day 3, along with bronze medal-winning bowler Joanna Weale.

BBC

All are adjusting to a new maestro, Lorin Maazel, who took over the baton from Kurt Masur this season.

The New York Times

So what are the prospects for the local growth hubs that Anna Soubry champions to take over the baton?

The Guardian

He also took over the baton for some performances of Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffman) in Cologne in 1980 and made his debut at the Metropolitan, New York, in Berg's Lulu the same year.

The Guardian - Music

When its 10-part run is over Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands, a swords and dragons epic with a warrior hero, will take over the baton for 13 episodes in January.

The Guardian

This week, it will be the turn of the European Central Bank to take over the baton of monetary easing, with a cut in interest rates widely expected after its governing council meeting on Thursday in Bratislava – one of the two monthly meetings it holds each year away from its headquarters in Frankfurt.

Independent

"Now what are arguably some of Europe's most patient scientists and weather services eagerly wait to take over the baton.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking over the baton" to describe a smooth transition of responsibility, where the predecessor willingly hands off their duties. This implies a sense of continuity and shared purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "taking over the baton" when describing a hostile takeover or abrupt change in leadership. The phrase suggests a planned and cooperative transfer, not a forceful seizure of power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking over the baton" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase. It signifies the transfer of responsibility, leadership, or control from one entity to another, similar to a relay race where the baton is passed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking over the baton" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe the transfer of responsibility or leadership from one person or entity to another. As indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, business, and general communication. While the phrase conveys a smooth and planned transition, writers should avoid using it in situations involving hostile takeovers or abrupt changes in power. Semantically related phrases include "assuming responsibility", "stepping into the role", and "taking the reins". These alternatives offer nuance based on the context of transition. The phrase's neutrality makes it broadly applicable; however, awareness of its intended implication of cooperation is crucial for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stepping into the role

Highlights the act of replacing someone in a specific position or capacity.

receiving the torch

Similar to 'taking over the baton' but implies continued effort in the name of a cause or achievement.

taking the reins

Emphasizes control and guidance, similar to leading an organization or project.

succeeding someone

Directly indicates the act of following someone in a position, often after a departure or promotion.

assuming responsibility

Focuses on the act of taking on duties, without the metaphorical implication of a baton.

taking charge

Stresses the initiative and leadership aspect of the transition.

inheriting the position

Implies a formal transfer of a role, often with associated responsibilities and privileges.

assuming control

Indicates a transfer of power or authority.

coming into power

Signifies gaining authority or influence, often after a competitive process.

embracing the challenge

Focuses on accepting a difficult or demanding task, often with a sense of enthusiasm or determination.

FAQs

How can I use "taking over the baton" in a sentence?

You can use "taking over the baton" to describe the transition of responsibility from one person to another, such as, "The new CEO is "taking over the baton" from the retiring president".

What's a good alternative to "taking over the baton"?

Alternatives include phrases like "assuming responsibility", "taking the reins", or "stepping into the role" depending on the specific context.

Is "taking over the baton" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "taking over the baton" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing leadership transitions or project handoffs. It is also used in news and media.

What does it mean when someone says they are "taking up the baton"?

While similar, "taking up the baton" refers more to starting a new initiative or continuing a cause. "Taking over the baton" specifically implies replacing someone else in a role.