Every Sunday, Lily visited Grandma’s house. Same tea, same cookies, same stories.

But this Sunday felt different.

Grandma seemed tired — not just physically, but like she had something on her mind.

After a long silence, she said, “Lily, I think it’s time I passed the torch.”

Lily blinked. “You mean the Sunday lunches?”

Grandma nodded. “You’re ready.”

Lily wasn’t so sure. Cooking for the whole family? Hosting? It was a lot.
“I don’t want to drop the ball,” she whispered.

Grandma smiled. “You won’t. You’ve got this.”

Later, as Lily left, she looked back and saw Grandma waving from the porch.

Something in that wave felt… final.

She got in her car, took a deep breath, and whispered, “Time to step up.”

Idioms Used in the Story

1. Pass the torch

Meaning: To give responsibility to someone else, usually the next generation.
Examples:

• After 30 years, the coach passed the torch to her assistant.
• It’s time to pass the torch and let younger folks lead.

2. Drop the ball

Meaning: To make a mistake or fail at a responsibility.
Examples:

• I really dropped the ball on that project.
• Don’t drop the ball during the interview.

3. Step up

Meaning: To take responsibility or take action when needed.
Examples:

• Someone had to step up and lead.
• She stepped up when her team needed her most.

4. Have something on your mind

Meaning: To be thinking about something important or worrying.
Examples:

• You look distracted — got something on your mind?
• He’s quiet today; something’s on his mind.

5. You’ve got this

Meaning: A phrase used to encourage someone; it means “you can do it.”
Examples:

• Nervous? Don’t worry — you’ve got this.
• Just breathe. You’ve got this!