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Synonyms

carry the torch

Cultural  

  1. To carry on a cause: “The columnist feels that he is carrying the torch of liberalism in an age of conservatism.”

carry the torch Idioms  

  1. see carry a torch.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"One day, a single piece of glass might carry the torch of human culture and knowledge across millennia."

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

She, like other members of the band, is pleased to see new acts like fellow L.A.-based all-female rockers the Linda Lindas carry the torch, and hopes that others arise to keep rock ‘n’ roll alive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

Today, TikTok creators, YouTubers, and Instagram stars carry the torch first ignited by the first infomercial salespeople all those years ago.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

Meanwhile, following Emma Hayes' departure at the conclusion of the last campaign, WSL champions Chelsea will be hoping that new manager Sonia Bompastor can carry the torch forward.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2024

Francie was impressed and vowed in her heart that she’d help carry the torch like he said.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.