1 B1 neutral
To give something to the next person in a sequence or chain.
"Read the memo, then hand it on to the rest of the team."
separable
hand on
B1 neutral separable transitive
To give something to the next person in a series, or to pass knowledge, tradition, or objects to others.
In plain English
To give something to the next person so it keeps moving forward.
What does "hand on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To pass knowledge, skills, or traditions to others, especially the next generation.
"It is our responsibility to hand on these cultural traditions to our children."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something using your hand onto the next person or position.
Actually means
To give something to the next person so it keeps moving forward.
Usage tip
More common in British English than American English. Often implies a deliberate chain of transmission — handing a torch on, handing on a tradition. Less commonly used than 'pass on' but not rare in formal or literary contexts.
Words that pair with "hand on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tradition torch knowledge baton skills message
How to conjugate "hand on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hand on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hands on
he/she/it
Past simple
handed on
yesterday
Past participle
handed on
have + pp
-ing form
handing on
continuous
Hear "hand on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "hand on"
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