carry the torch
Keep passion alive
To carry the torch is to continue a tradition, cause, or effort that others have started.
The image is of a flame passed from one runner to the next, keeping it burning: She carries the torch for progressive education reform.
To carry a torch for someone is to harbor unrequited love, keeping the flame of romantic feeling alive despite rejection or separation.
Firm pledge to act
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- faithfulnessDevoted loyalty maintained
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
allegiance · fervor · zeal · ardor · perseverance · tenacity · unwavering · constancy
What's passed down
- successionFollowing in order
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- passingMoving by or temporary
handoff · relay · baton · successor · predecessor · generational · lineage · custodian
Aching with prolonged desire
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
- infatuationShort-lived intense attraction
- hopeless romanticPerson seeking idealized love
one-sided love · secret love · heartache · devotion · adoration · crush · lovelorn · waiting
commitment
Firm pledge to act
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- faithfulnessDevoted loyalty maintained
steadfastness · allegiance · fervor · zeal · ardor · perseverance · tenacity · unwavering · constancy · passion
legacy
What's passed down
- successionFollowing in order
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
passing · handoff · relay · baton · successor · predecessor · generational · lineage · custodian · stewardship
pining
Aching with prolonged desire
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
- infatuationShort-lived intense attraction
one-sided love · hopeless romantic · secret love · heartache · devotion · adoration · crush · lovelorn · waiting · hoping
trailblazer
First to forge ahead
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- pathfinderOne who discovers routes
vanguard · spearhead · leading · guiding · inspiring · movement · cause · crusade · activism · reform
remembrance
Act of holding something in mind
fallen · veterans · heroes · ancestors · ceremony · vigil · wreath · monument · flame · eternal flame
carry the torchdrop the ball
Fail at a critical moment
throw in the towel · quit · walk away · abandon ship · turn one's back on
carry, torch, carries, carried, carrying, carrier, carriers, carriage, carriages