ENGLISH
REFERENCE

carry out

idiom
Meaning

To fulfill.

Origin

disputed origin

From Middle English caryen out, equivalent to carry + out (adverb).

Examples
SIMPLE

The team will carry out the plan tomorrow.

CONTEXTUAL

The researchers must carry out several tests before they can confirm the results of the experiment.

COMPLEX

The government intends to carry out a series of reforms designed to improve the national education system over the next decade.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    can't carry a tune in a bucket

    Sings very badly.

  2. 02

    carried away

    Made excessively emotional or excited, so that one goes too far.

  3. 03

    carry a torch

    To love or to be romantically infatuated with, especially when such feelings are not reciprocated.

  4. 04

    carry away

    To be so excited that one is no longer in control of one's actions or behavior.

  5. 05

    carry coals to Newcastle

    To do something that is unneeded or redundant.

  6. 06

    carry forward

    To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.

  7. 07

    carry off

    To act convincingly; to succeed at giving the impression of (e.g.) knowledge, confidence, or familiarity.

  8. 08

    carry on

    To continue or proceed as before.

Last updated April 17, 2026