carry the torch

present singular third person carries the torch · participle present carrying the torch · participle past carried the torch · past carried the torch

1. alternativeAlternative form of carry a torch.

   Someday, I know that Jim will up and leave me But even if he does you can believe me I'll go on carryin' the torch for Jim I'll go on lovin' my Jim

   1941, “Jim”, Nelson Shawn (lyrics), James Caesar Petrillo and Edward Ross (music)

2. idiomaticTo continue the work or legacy (of a cause); to crusade for a cause.

   Entrusted to carry the torch of Disney excellence to Japan, each manager is in the United States for an extended training and orientation program.

   2013, Doug Lipp, Disney U, page 144

   2 more examples

   To many it meant that the United States was the chosen nation, selected by God to carry the torch of freedom and battle the evil forces of Communism.

   2005, Richard J. Ellis, To the Flag, pages 138 – 139

   Once Mondale suffered his inevitable defeat in November, the search would commence for a new leader for the party, someone to carry the torch in 1988, when Reagan would be forbidden from running again and the country might, after eight years of Republican rule, be ready for a break.

   2018, Steve Kornacki, The Red and the Blue

3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see carry, the, torch.