pass one’s word—(also: pass one’s word of honor) give a pledge or promise:
- Half the sum was raised and Dundee is said to have passed his word for the remainder.
pass the word—(also: pass word) give an oral order or instruction:
- Rafferty would pass word to certain stool pigeons to keep their eyes and ears open for trace of the missing canvas.
Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase send word—send a personal written message:
- The deputy marshal would send word to the prosecuting attorney asking for an “OK.”