hand down

verb

1. to leave to a later period or generation; bequeath

2. to pass (an outgrown garment) on from one member of a family to a younger one

3. law to announce or deliver (a verdict)

Idioms and Phrases

Bequeath to one's heirs, as in The silver and jewels have been handed down from generation to generation in that family . [Late 1600s]

Make and pronounce an official decision, especially the verdict of a court. For example, The judge wasted no time in handing down a sentence of contempt of court . [First half of 1900s] Also see hand on ; hand over .

Example Sentences

If so, a decision would be handed down by late June.

From Los Angeles Times

She was last seen in public when the verdicts - all guilty - were handed down in December.

From BBC

The court erupted into applause as the judge handed down the ruling.

From BBC

The majority of lifetime bans and indefinite suspensions the club handed down were for unauthorised selling of season tickets, memberships or hospitality tickets.

From BBC

Under the current rules, the maximum fine that can be handed down is £20,000.

From BBC

Related Words

• pass on