carried the torch
Maintained the flame
Carried the torch means maintained devotion to something—a cause, tradition, or unrequited love—over time.
Someone who carries the torch keeps a flame alive that might otherwise die out.
She carried the torch for progressive reform long after others had given up.
To carry a torch for someone is to remain in love with them, especially when the feeling isn't returned: He carried a torch for his college sweetheart for years.
- unrequited loveRomantic feelings not returned
- old flameFormer romantic interest
- holding a candleMatching someone's standard
- championingVigorously supporting a cause
- activismDirect effort for reform
unrequited longing · freedom fighter · pioneering spirit · heritage · perseverance · longing · fidelity · trailblazing · preservation · steadfastness · tradition · continuity · campaigning · mentorship · legacy · loyalty · yearning · nostalgia
carried the torchmoved on
Proceeded after pausing
got over · let go · forgot about · lost interest · detached
carried the torchturned against
Became an adversary of
walked away · renounced · opposed · sold out · abdicated
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