He still carries a torch for his old high school sweetheart.
carry a torch
idiomTo love or to be romantically infatuated with, especially when such feelings are not reciprocated.
Origin
disputed originFrom 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.
Even though they broke up years ago, she secretly carries a torch for him and checks his social media daily.
Despite his outward indifference and the passage of many years, he continued to carry a torch for her, nursing a quiet, unrequited devotion that defined his solitary life.
- 01
can't carry a tune in a bucket
Sings very badly.
- 02
carry away
To be so excited that one is no longer in control of one's actions or behavior.
- 03
carry coals to Newcastle
To do something that is unneeded or redundant.
- 04
carry forward
To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.
- 05
carry off
To act convincingly; to succeed at giving the impression of (e.g.) knowledge, confidence, or familiarity.
- 06
carry on
To continue or proceed as before.
- 07
carry one's weight
To contribute or produce one's fair share, as of work, money, etc.
- 08
carry oneself
To move, especially emphasizing the manner in which one moves.