Carry the torch Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkæɹi/, /ˈkɛɹi/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈtɔɹtʃ

KAIR-ee thuh TORCH

UK

kˈæɹi/ /ðə, ði/ /tˈɔːtʃ

KAIR-ee thuh TAWRCH

Definition

To continue supporting or believing in a cause or idea, especially after others stop; it can also mean secretly loving someone for a long time.

Usage & Nuances

Figurative. Used both for passionate support of a cause or for unrequited love. More common in written or poetic language. In love contexts, often implies a long, silent devotion. 'Carry the torch for someone' is specific to romantic feelings.

• Spanish: seguir luchando (por algo) - llevar la antorcha (por alguien, por una causa)
• Portuguese (BR): carregar a tocha (por alguém, por uma causa) - manter viva a paixão
• Portuguese (PT): carregar a tocha (por alguém, por uma causa) - manter viva a paixão
• Chinese (Simplified): 继续坚持（某事业或信念） - 暗恋某人
• Chinese (Traditional): 繼續堅持（某事業或信念） - 暗戀某人
• Hindi: संघर्ष को जारी रखना - किसी के लिए एकतरफा प्यार रखना
• Arabic: يحمل الشعلة (يمضي بالقضية) - يتعلق عاطفياً بشخص
• Bengali: আদর্শ বা প্রেমের জন্য আগুন জ্বেলে রাখা - এখনো ভালোবাসা পোষণ করা
• Russian: нести факел - хранить чувства (к кому-либо)
• Japanese: 理想を掲げ続ける - 密かに思い続ける
• Vietnamese: tiếp tục giữ ngọn lửa - thầm yêu ai đó
• Korean: 불씨를 이어가다 - 오랫동안 짝사랑하다
• Turkish: meşaleyi taşımak - birine gizlice âşık olmak
• Urdu: علم اٹھانا - کسی سے خاموش محبت رکھنا
• Indonesian: membawa obor - diam-diam mencintai seseorang

Example Sentences

She still carries the torch for her first love.

basic

We should carry the torch for justice.

basic

He will carry the torch for our team after I retire.

basic

Many people still carry the torch for civil rights.

natural

Even after all these years, John carries the torch for Laura.

natural

Who will carry the torch now that the founder is gone?

natural