What does “Take up the torch” mean?
"Take up the torch" means to continue or carry on a task or responsibility that someone else has started or left unfinished.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After his retirement, his son decided to take up the torch and run the family business.
Example
The team captain got injured, so it was up to the vice captain to take up the torch and lead the team.
Example
When the founder of the organization passed away, his loyal followers vowed to take up the torch and continue his work
Is “Take up the torch” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Take up the torch” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Take up the torch” effectively in context?
You can use "Take up the torch" to encourage someone to continue or carry on a task or responsibility that someone else has started or left unfinished. It emphasizes the idea of taking on a leadership role or stepping up to fill a void. For instance, if a colleague leaves a project unfinished, you might say, 'It's up to us to take up the torch and complete what they started.'
- 1Family Business
After his retirement, his son decided to take up the torch and run the family business.
- 2Sports Team
The team captain got injured, so it was up to the vice captain to take up the torch and lead the team.
- 3Organizational Leadership
When the founder of the organization passed away, his loyal followers vowed to take up the torch and continue his work.
Similar phrases to “Take up the torch”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Take up the torch” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Take up the torch" is derived from the ancient Greek tradition of passing on a lit torch during relay races. In these races, each runner would receive a lit torch and carry it for a certain distance before passing it on to the next runner. The phrase symbolizes the act of continuing or carrying on a task or responsibility that someone else has started or left unfinished.
Is “Take up the torch” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Take up the torch" is a well-known and frequently used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to step into a leadership role or to express their own commitment to continuing a task or responsibility.
What tone does “Take up the torch” have?
"Take up the torch" conveys a tone of responsibility and dedication. It's often used in a supportive context to motivate someone to carry on a legacy or to emphasize the importance of continuing a task or responsibility.
Can “Take up the torch” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "take up the torch" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of continuing or carrying on a task or responsibility. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She decided to take up the torch and continue her father's work.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "take up the torch"!' to imply readiness to take on a responsibility.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- continue the legacy
- step into the role
- assume the responsibility
- carry on the tradition
- succeed someone
Antonyms
- drop the ball
- abandon the task
- walk away
- leave unfinished
- neglect the responsibility
