WordLens

hand off

1 of 1verb
/ˈhænd ɔf/
Forms:hands off,handing off,handed off,handed off
1

to transfer a responsibility, task, or authority to another person or party

  • She handed off the leadership of the committee to her successor.
  • The manager decided to hand the project off to a more experienced team member.
  • The CEO handed off the decision-making authority to the executive team.
  • Teachers often need to hand off certain duties to their teaching assistants.
  • She will hand off her coaching duties to the assistant coach for the upcoming game.
2

(in sports) to push away an opponent using an outstretched arm to continue without interference

  • The hockey forward effectively handed off the opposing defenseman to make a break for the goal.
  • He skillfully handed the opponent off and made a break for the basket.
  • The basketball player skillfully handed off the defender, allowing them to drive to the basket unimpeded.
  • The running back handed the defender off with a powerful stiff arm.
  • The rugby player managed to hand off two opponents as he sprinted toward the try line.
3

to transfer the possession of an object to another person or party

  • She decided to hand off the project files to her colleague before going on vacation.
  • The cashier needed to hand off the customer's purchase to the bagging area.
  • The librarian will hand off the borrowed book to the patron at the front desk.
  • During the relay race, each runner must hand the baton off smoothly to the next teammate.
  • As a gesture of goodwill, he decided to hand his old bike off to a neighbor in need.