carry the torch
意志を引き継ぐ
解説 Definition
前任者や先人の意志・使命を受け継いで続けること。志を引き継ぐ。
This idiom means to continue an idea, tradition, cause, or piece of work started by someone else. It is often used when one person follows the values or goals of an earlier person or group. It can also suggest keeping something important alive.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
直訳の絵をまず固定すると覚えやすい。torch は「たいまつ」で、オリンピックの聖火リレーのように火を消さず次へつなぐ場面を思い浮かべるとよい。ここでの carry は単なる「運ぶ」ではなく、「役目や責任を担って続ける」の感覚。人の志・伝統・運動を受け継ぐ文脈で使われ、ただ inherit するより「前の世代の思いを背負って続ける」響きが強い。なお、pass the torch は渡す側、carry the torch は受けて担う側として整理すると混同しにくい。
Imagine carrying a torch in a relay and keeping the flame alive. The key idea is not just "carry" but continue a mission, tradition, or hope from someone before you. You can also pair it with "pass the torch," which is the giving side, while "carry the torch" is the continuing side.
例文
After the founder retired, her daughter carried the torch and continued expanding the charity.
創設者が引退した後、彼女の娘が意志を引き継ぎ、慈善活動の拡大を続けた。
Young activists are now carrying the torch for environmental justice in their communities.
若い活動家たちが今、地域社会で環境正義の意志を引き継いでいる。
He promised to carry the torch for his late mentor's work in renewable energy.
彼は再生可能エネルギーにおける亡き恩師の取り組みを引き継ぐと約束した。
carry the torch の語源・成り立ち Etymology
英語成句で、torch は古フランス語 torche を経てラテン語 torquere「ねじる」へ遡り、元は撚ったたいまつを指した。ギリシャの聖火リレーの比喩で「火を絶やさず受け継ぐ」となり、torchlight や torchbearer を思うと、志を守る像がはっきりする。
This idiom is built around "torch," which came from Old French "torche" and ultimately from Latin "torquere," meaning "to twist." The torch was originally a twisted bundle used for fire. From the image of passing a flame onward, the phrase developed the sense of continuing a duty, cause, or tradition; related English words include "torchlight" and "torchbearer."
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