Refers to a baton used in relay races, orchestral conducting, or metaphorically for passing on responsibilities.
Pass the baton to the next runner.
The conductor brought down the baton.
The next runner received the baton and took off.
The team dropped in ranking after dropping the baton.
The conductor waved his baton to lead the orchestra.
baton twirler; female baton twirler
exchange zone; takeover zone
Loanword from English 'baton'.