To harbor feelings of love despite not being in a relationship; generally unrequited or after a relationship has ended, and sometimes implying secret feelings. There is the implication of keeping hope alive.
Etymology:
- From the metaphor of a burning flame, to keep a fire burning.
- The association of a torch with love may date to the Greek and Roman tradition of a wedding torch, lit in the bride’s hearth on her wedding night, then used to light the hearth in her new home. Such a torch is associated with the Greek god of marriage Hymenaios.
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Submitted on September 01, 2009
Additional definitions for 'carry a torch for':
carry a torch for | Remain feel the pain of unreciprocated love for. |
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нести факел для
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"carry a torch for." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/carry-a-torch-for_2769>.
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