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to assume the mantle

to assume the mantle

1 7.3
To take on an important role as a leader
  • idiom
  • Formal
translation icon : asumir el liderazgo
  • Condit will assume the mantle of the best at 170 pounds and likely move on to face the winner of Johny Hendricks vs. Martin Kampmann.

Examples

  • The new CEO will assume the mantle of responsibility for guiding the company through its next phase.

  • The next generation of superheroes has to be ready to assume the mantle.

    Blog text (11)
  • Thus, Pastrana in 1998 assumed the mantle of responsibility for dealing with the country's escalating violence and precarious economy.

    Academic text (2000)
  • But at the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, we see this news as a clarion call for the U.S. to assume the mantle of leadership not with troops but by empowering the emerging forces of freedom in the region.

    Blog text (16)
  • Once a global leader in wind and solar energy technology, the United States faltered and never fully recovered as public support ceased and other governments—Denmark, Germany, and Japan—increased their investments and stepped in to assume the mantle of leadership in the emerging sectors.

    Blog text (21)
  • It's time for us to step up and assume the mantle of leadership in our community.

  • With the departure of the old manager, she is ready to assume the mantle and lead the team.

Synonyms

to take over
vsto assume the mantle
862 3.1

Begin to control someone else's job or project

implies a more notable or symbolic leadership role rather than routine takeover
to take on
vsto assume the mantle
405 2.8

To agree to do a job or task

involves accepting a significant leadership responsibility rather than any general task
to take charge
vsto assume the mantle
98 3.5

Start to control a group or situation and lead others

refers to taking an important leadership position rather than only temporary command
to take the lead
vsto assume the mantle
79 3.2

To start guiding a group or activity and make the main decisions

focuses on holding a significant leadership role rather than only leading briefly
to step up to the plate
vsto assume the mantle
  • Informal
32 4.6

To take responsibility and act when a difficult situation happens

means accepting an important leadership duty rather than only responding to crises
to take the wheel
vsto assume the mantle
23 4.7

To drive a car or have control of a situation

focuses on taking a significant leadership role rather than any form of control
to take the helm
vsto assume the mantle
12 4.4

To lead an organization, group, or project

is broader, covering any important leadership responsibility rather than just formal control
to take on the role
vsto assume the mantle
10 3.1

Accept a job, responsibility, or part in a play

emphasizes a high or prominent leadership role rather than any assigned position
to carry the ball
vsto assume the mantle
  • Informal
2 4.6

Lead a project or task and make sure it is finished

suggests a higher, more official leadership role rather than project-level responsibility
to carry the mantle
vsto assume the mantle
  • Formal
1 7.4

To take on responsibility as the next leader

is about accepting any important leadership role, not only succeeding someone
to take the front seat
vsto assume the mantle
  • Informal
1 4.2

To lead a group or activity and direct what people do

is about taking an important leadership responsibility rather than merely being prominent
to take up the running of
vsto assume the mantle
6.1

Start managing something after the previous person leaves

covers assuming important leadership regardless of whether a previous leader departed
to take up the running
vsto assume the mantle
7.4

To start managing a task or group after someone else managed it

is about accepting an important leadership role even without a prior manager
to step to the fore
vsto assume the mantle
7.0

To offer to take charge of a group or task

refers to formally taking an important leadership role rather than just becoming visible

Antonyms

to abdicate
  • Formal
23 8.0

To give up a position of power, for example a king or queen

How Important

to assume the mantle
  • Formal
1 7.3
to head
465 2.9
to lead
1.0
to take on
405 2.8

Surface Forms

assume the mantle infinitive
assumed the mantle past participle
assuming the mantle present participle
assumes the mantle third person singular

Morphology

assume + the + mantle

The meaning 'to take on an important role or responsibility' is directly derivable from combining 'assume' (to take on) with 'mantle' (a role or emblem of authority). Although somewhat formal and metaphorical, the verb + noun composition is predictable, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings should understand the expression.

Etymology

Assume the mantle comes from the image of a mantle as a large cloak worn by rulers or leaders; putting on the cloak showed you were ready to lead. So, assume the mantle means 'to take on an important role or responsibility'.