1
general::
Phrase(s): hand something down (to someone)
1. Lit. to pass something to a person on a lower level. • Hand this wrench down to the man under the sink. • Please hand down this wrench. 2. Fig. to give something to a younger person. (Either at death or during life.) • John handed his old shirts down to his younger brother. • I hope my uncle will hand down his golf clubs to me when he dies. 3. Fig. to announce or deliver a (legal) verdict or indictment. • The grand jury handed seven indictments down last week. • The jury handed down a guilty verdict.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Bequeath to one's heirs, as in The silver and jewels have been handed down from generation to generation in that family. [Late 1600s] 2. 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.
American Heritage Idioms