hand down

The phrase "hand down" involves the act of passing something from one person or generation to another, often used in familial or legal contexts.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)To pass something from one generation to the next.

Example

These traditions were handed down through generations.
She handed down her old clothes to her younger sister.

C1Legal

(formal)To officially announce or deliver a decision or judgment.

Example

The judge handed down a sentence of five years in prison.
The Supreme Court handed down its ruling on the case.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hand down":

hand over hand off hand it to hand out hands down send down hand someone his head throw down hand over hand pass on in hand pass along come to hand running hand call down pass around bottom hand throw hands cast down set down top hand