hand down — pass to the next generation
to give or leave something, such as knowledge, traditions, or possessions, to people who come after you, especially younger family members or future generations.
Say it like a native
Textbook This recipe has been transmitted through successive generations.
Native This recipe's been handed down through the family.
'Hand down' is the natural verb for passing things to later generations. 'Transmitted through successive generations' is formal.
Pattern: hand something down (to someone)
In use
- My grandmother handed down her wedding ring to my mother, and one day it will be mine.family
- In many cultures, important values and customs are handed down through generations, which helps to preserve a sense of identity.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ These skills were handed down to next generations.
✓ These skills were handed down to the next generation.
Usually 'the next generation' (singular), or the set phrase 'from generation to generation'.
Common collocations
hand down— a tradition, an heirloom, stories, the recipe
Don't confuse it
Unlike the basic sense of 'hand' (to give something directly), 'hand down' always involves passing something to the next generation or future group, not just giving it to someone nearby.