Dictionary

carry the torch en · VERB

(alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of carry a torch.
alt 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):
(idiomatic) To continue the work or legacy (of a cause); to crusade for a cause.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see carry, the, torch.

Spelling	Features	Source
carries the torch	Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres	lexicographic
carried the torch	Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part	lexicographic
carried the torch	Tense=Past	lexicographic
carrying the torch	Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part	lexicographic