carrying the torch
Continuing the cause
Carrying the torch means continuing to support or advocate for a cause, movement, or tradition that others have championed before.
The image is of a flame passed from one person to the next, keeping something alive: She's carrying the torch for criminal justice reform.
To carry a torch for someone is to harbor persistent romantic feelings, especially unrequited: He's still carrying a torch for his college girlfriend.
- campaigningActively pursuing political support
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- championingVigorously supporting a cause
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
loyalty · tradition · determination · remembrance · mentorship · resilience · continuity · promoting · love · old flame · supporting · longing · steadfastness · stewardship · succession · rallying · passion · unrequited
carrying the torchquitting
Ceasing an activity
throwing in the towel · abandoning ship · turning one's back · walking away · forsaking
carrying the torchmoving on
Proceeding past something
letting go · forgetting · closure · detachment · apathy
carrying the torchgoing through the motions
Performing without genuine effort
carry, carrying, carries, carried, carrier, carriers, carriage, carriages, torch