Carry on
Meaning
To continue doing something, especially after a pause or interruption.
Origin
The power of "carry on" lies in its simple, almost primal command to continue, to persevere. The verb "carry" has been with English speakers for centuries, stemming from the Old French carier, meaning to transport or bear a burden. When paired with the preposition "on," which implies movement forward or continuous action, the phrase naturally coalesced into a potent directive. It speaks to the human spirit's enduring need to keep moving, whether through a physical journey or a challenging task, making it a timeless call to resilience. This straightforward combination of words has graced countless moments of quiet resolve and public encouragement, urging us to simply persist.
Examples
- Despite the sudden downpour, the hikers decided to carry on with their journey to the summit.
- The teacher told the students to carry on with their work while she took a phone call.