hand down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hand down’ mean?
The idiom "hand down" means to pass on or transfer something, usually from one generation to another, as a tradition or knowledge. It can also refer to giving a decision or ruling, typically by a higher authority to a lower one.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "hold down" means to maintain a job or position, usually requiring effort or responsibility.
The idiom "here you are" is used to hand something over to someone or to guide someone to a specific location.
The idiom "have one's hand out" means to ask for money or help from someone, usually in a demanding or pushy manner.
The idiom "have a hand in" means to be involved or to play a part in something.
The idiom "hand someone their cards" means to terminate someone from their job or position, usually due to poor performance or failure to meet expectations.
The idiom "hands down" means easily or without any doubt, typically used to describe a situation where one option or person is clearly better than the others.
The idiom "hand over head" refers to doing something quickly or without care, often in a hurried or reckless manner.
The idiom "hand over" means to give or transfer something to someone else, usually with the implication of authority or control. It can also indicate the act of surrendering or yielding to someone or something.
Untold Origins
The idiom "hand down" has a variety of meanings depending on its context. One common use of the phrase is to pass or give something to someone else, often within a family. For example, a parent may "hand down" their old toys to their children or a grandparent may "hand down" a family heirloom to a younger family member.
Another meaning of "hand down" is to officially transmit something, such as a decision or ruling. This is often seen in legal or judicial settings, where a judge or panel of judges may "hand down" a verdict or judgment. Furthermore, this phrase can also describe the transmission of information or knowledge from one person to another, especially in an educational or mentorship context.
Figuratively, "hand down" can refer to the passing of an idea, tradition, or belief from one generation to the next. This can be observed in cultural or societal contexts, where certain values or practices are "handed down" over time. It can also describe the continuation of a legacy or influence, such as a famous actor "handing down" their talent to their children.
The origins of the idiom "hand down" can be traced back to the literal act of physically passing or giving something from one person to another. The use of the word "hand" signifies the action of transferring or delivering, while "down" conveys the movement of the object or idea being passed from a higher position to a lower one. Throughout history, this phrase has gained metaphorical usage to describe various forms of transmission or continuation.
In relation to the idiom "hand over," it shares the similarity of transferring something to someone else. While "hand down" can involve passing down objects, ideas, or traditions within a family or generational context, "hand over" typically refers to the act of giving control or possession of something to another person or authority. For instance, a person may "hand over" the keys of a car to a friend or "hand over" a report to their supervisor.
As for the idiom "hand off," it also involves the act of transferring something, but with a different connotation. While "hand down" emphasizes passing from one person to another, "hand off" often implies passing responsibility or task to someone else. For example, a project manager may "hand off" a task to a team member or a football player may "hand off" the ball to a teammate during a game.
The idiom "hand down" has multiple meanings, including giving or passing something to someone else, officially transmitting information or decisions, and conveying the continuation of ideas, traditions, or legacies. It can be related to the idioms "hand over," which involves transferring control or possession, and "hand off," which involves passing responsibility or tasks to others. Understanding these idioms can enhance one's ability to communicate effectively and convey meaning in various contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hand down" can be used in a sentence:
- My grandmother handed down her cherished necklace to me.
- The tradition of storytelling has been handed down from generation to generation.
- The judge handed down a harsh sentence to the convicted criminal.
More "inheritance" idioms
