Hand down
verb
To give or pass something to a person who is younger or less experienced.
My older brother handed down his old bicycle to me when he got a new one.
Often appears as...
- hand down clothes
- hand down knowledge
verb
When a court or a judge makes a decision, and formally announces it.
The court handed down a sentence of five years in prison.
Often appears as...
- hand down a verdict
- hand down a ruling
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
verb
To give or pass something to a person who is younger or less experienced.
My older brother handed down his old bicycle to me when he got a new one.
Often appears as...
- hand down clothes
- hand down knowledge
verb
When a court or a judge makes a decision, and formally announces it.
The court handed down a sentence of five years in prison.
Often appears as...
- hand down a verdict
- hand down a ruling
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Heritage Focus
The phrase is often used to describe the transfer of items with sentimental or cultural importance.
The quilt was handed down through generations.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Material
Handing down can also mean passing on non-physical items like stories or skills.
My grandmother handed down her recipes to my mother.
Pro Tip 3/3No Legal Implication
Avoid confusion with legal use; in personal contexts, 'hand down' has no formal legal meaning.
Uncle Joe handed down some life advice.
Pro Tip 1/3Heritage Focus
The phrase is often used to describe the transfer of items with sentimental or cultural importance.
The quilt was handed down through generations.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Material
Handing down can also mean passing on non-physical items like stories or skills.
My grandmother handed down her recipes to my mother.
Pro Tip 3/3No Legal Implication
Avoid confusion with legal use; in personal contexts, 'hand down' has no formal legal meaning.
Uncle Joe handed down some life advice.
Pro Tip 1/3Heritage Focus
The phrase is often used to describe the transfer of items with sentimental or cultural importance.
The quilt was handed down through generations.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Material
Handing down can also mean passing on non-physical items like stories or skills.
My grandmother handed down her recipes to my mother.
Pro Tip 3/3No Legal Implication
Avoid confusion with legal use; in personal contexts, 'hand down' has no formal legal meaning.
Uncle Joe handed down some life advice.
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