I think it’s time he laid down the torch
Posted: November 17, 2013 Filed under: gauntlet, THINGS, torch | Tags: blended idioms, carry the torch, Dick LeBeau, expressions, humor, language, lay down the law, malaphors, mixed idioms, Pittsburgh Steelers, throw down the gauntlet, words 2 Comments
English: Dick Lebeau with Mr. and Mrs. John Mitchell (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This was uttered near the end of the first half of the Steelers/Lions game, and was directed at Dick LeBeau, the Steelers’ defensive coach. Considering the context (Steelers blowing a lead and the defense not playing well), I believe this is a mash up of “lay down the law” (to scold someone) and “carry the torch” (to lead or participate). “Throw down the gauntlet” (to challenge someone) might also be in the mix. Thanks to Kevin Hatfield for hearing this one and sending it in!
Malaphors 
How about “pass the torch” (give someone else a chance) to whomever might be a better player.
Yes, that might also be correct, as the speaker might have also been hoping LeBeau would retire. In that case, “pass the torch” and “step down” might be the phrases in the mix up.