Hand on Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action Used when physically passing an item to someone directly. During the meeting, she handed on the documents for us to review. Pro Tip 2/3Responsibility Shift Indicates transferring a duty or task to another person. The retiring director handed on his responsibilities to his successor. Pro Tip 3/3Ritual Passing Often used in the context of ceremonies or symbolic actions. The award was handed on to the winner amidst applause.