Phrasal verb
hand down
Definition
phrasal verb. to pass something like a skill, a story, or an object to a younger person in your family. You use this for things that have been in a family for a long time.
phrasal verb. To pass knowledge, traditions, or possessions from one generation to the next. The verb is transitive and frequently appears in the passive voice when discussing heritage.
Examples
“My grandmother handed down this gold ring to me.”
“These traditional recipes have been handed down through my family for over a hundred years.”
“The master weaver sought a dedicated apprentice to whom he could hand down the intricate patterns perfected by his ancestors over several decades.”
Examples
simple
“My grandmother handed down this gold ring to me.”
contextual
“These traditional recipes have been handed down through my family for over a hundred years.”
complex
“The master weaver sought a dedicated apprentice to whom he could hand down the intricate patterns perfected by his ancestors over several decades.”
Usage
The object usually refers to something of cultural, emotional, or material value.
Teaching tip
Explain the physical metaphor of 'handing' something 'down' a family tree to help students visualize the generational movement.
Pitfall
My mother handed down me her jewelry.
My mother handed down her jewelry to me.
When the recipient is a person, it must follow the object and be introduced by the preposition 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
hand + down + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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