carrying a torch for
Harboring unrequited love
To carry a torch for someone is to harbor romantic feelings for them, especially when the love is unrequited or the relationship has ended: She's still carrying a torch for her college boyfriend.
The image is of keeping a flame burning—hope that won't die.
The phrase often suggests a degree of futility or wistfulness.
- unrequitedNot returned in kind
- flameBurning gas made visible
- burning desireIntense emotional craving
- besottedIntoxicated by love or drink
- longingIntense, persistent desire
yearning · infatuation · puppy love · one-sidedness · smitten · head over heels · hope · heartache · pining · ache · romance · sigh · waiting · craving · crush · lovesick · wistfulness · constancy
carrying a torch formoved on
Proceeded after pausing
over it · let go · gotten over · let go of · closure
carrying a torch forover
Above or exceeding
loathing · despising · can't stand · washed one's hands of · hating
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