the torch has passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the torch has passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to signify the transfer of responsibility, leadership, or legacy from one person or group to another. Example: "After years of dedicated service, the founder stepped down, and the torch has passed to the next generation of leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The torch has passed to Michael.

The Guardian

The president spoke with characteristic insight in his inaugural address when he said, "The torch has passed to a new generation".

The New York Times

There's a strong argument the torch has passed to Dan O'Dowd, the 10-year veteran GM who's quietly put the budget-conscious Colorado Rockies into the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

Forbes

The difference is that the torch has passed from that decade's 'flower children' to its actual children".

Huffington Post

Historically, "the torch has passed" to a new generation when an energetic challenger faced a ruling generation that had simply lost its steam (although this spirited campaign has demonstrated Boomers still have plenty of steam) or one whose governing paradigm was repudiated by the voters as with Franklin Roosevelt's 1932 landslide rejecting the disastrous laissez-faire policies of that era.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The best analogue may be the administration of President John F. Kennedy, which began in 1961 much as Mr. Obama's did in 2009 — with an expectation that "the torch had passed," as Kennedy put it.

The New York Times

When Ed Miliband, the new Labour leader, delivered his maiden address in Manchester the other day, for instance, he evoked the arrival of a "new generation" in political Britain, echoing John F. Kennedy's declaration that the torch had passed to an equivalent cohort of Americans almost a half-century ago.

The New York Times

He reached — with clunking repetitiveness — for a touch of Kennedy's "torch has passed" aura.

The New York Times

In his blog, warden Emyr Evans wrote: "By the time the Olympic torch had passed outside our Cors Dyfi reserve, the crack had become a little hole with bits of fragmented shell forming the rim.

BBC

By the time that the first issue of History of Political Economy appeared, published by the Duke University Press, in 1969, the editorial torch had passed to Goodwin.

Duke University

The passing of that torch was fairly inevitable, but it's the way the torch has been passed – so dramatically as the basic style of the grind-it-out Spurs is set ablaze – that has made San Antonio's transition all the more vivid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the torch has passed" to signal a significant transition, particularly when legacy or long-term responsibility is involved. It's effective in formal speeches, articles, and when discussing generational shifts.

Common error

Avoid using "the torch has passed" in literal contexts. It's a metaphor, so don't use it when literally describing someone passing a physical torch. This phrase signals a transfer of power, responsibility or legacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the torch has passed" functions as an idiomatic expression to denote the transfer of power, responsibility, or legacy from one entity to another. Ludwig AI examples highlight its use in contexts ranging from politics to sports, showcasing its versatility in conveying significant transitions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the torch has passed" is an idiomatic expression signifying the transfer of responsibility, leadership, or legacy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its use in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. While relatively formal, it effectively conveys significant transitions. Consider alternatives like "the mantle has been passed" or "the baton has been handed over" for nuanced communication. Use it thoughtfully to signal important shifts, especially those involving legacy or generational changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the mantle has been passed

Replaces "torch" with "mantle", which also symbolizes leadership or responsibility, altering the imagery but keeping the core meaning.

the baton has been handed over

Uses a sports metaphor, changing the visual but retaining the idea of transferring responsibility or leadership.

leadership has been transferred

Focuses on the transfer of leadership directly, omitting the metaphorical element.

responsibility has shifted

Highlights the change in responsibility, providing a less figurative alternative.

the reins have been handed over

Employs a metaphor related to control and guidance, maintaining the sense of transition.

the legacy continues through others

Focuses on the continuation of a legacy, broadening the scope beyond just leadership.

a new era has begun

Shifts the focus to the start of a new period, indicating a change but less specific about the transfer.

the next generation takes over

Specifies that the next generation is assuming control, making it less abstract.

power has been devolved

Focuses on the delegation of power, suitable in political or organizational contexts.

the work is now in other hands

Emphasizes the transfer of ongoing tasks or projects to someone else.

FAQs

What does "the torch has passed" mean?

The phrase "the torch has passed" means that responsibility, leadership, or a legacy has been transferred from one person or group to another. It often implies a significant change or transition.

When is it appropriate to use "the torch has passed"?

It's appropriate to use "the torch has passed" when discussing the succession of leadership, the continuation of a tradition, or any situation where responsibility is being handed over. It is particularly effective in formal speeches or articles.

What are some alternatives to saying "the torch has passed"?

You can use alternatives like "the mantle has been passed", "the baton has been handed over", or "leadership has been transferred" depending on the context.

Is "the torch has passed" a formal or informal expression?

"The torch has passed" is a relatively formal expression, suitable for speeches, articles, and professional communications. While understandable in informal contexts, alternatives might be preferable for casual conversation.