expression, godan verb (-su)
pass the baton (in a relay race)
Literal use in track and field relay races.
彼は次の走者にバトンを渡した。
He passed the baton to the next runner.
expression, godan verb (-su)
pass the baton; hand over the torch
Figurative use: handing over a responsibility, role, or tradition to a successor.
社長は後継者にバトンを渡す準備をしている。
The president is preparing to pass the baton to his successor.