carry on

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To continue or proceed as before.

   • I’ll be gone for a few days, but I hope you will carry on in my absence.
2. 2

   To continue, maintain or pursue (an activity or enterprise).

   • to carry on commerce in a market
   • Carry on the good work.
   • It is difficult to carry on a conversation with so many distractions.
3. 3

   To persist, persevere.

   • Near-synonyms: keep on, hang in, hang on, keep on keeping on
   • keep calm and carry on
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To talk continuously or prolongedly (about something), often in an excessively excited…

      To talk continuously or prolongedly (about something), often in an excessively excited way.

      • Near-synonym: go on
      • He’s always carrying on about his stupid aquarium.
   2. 5

      To act or behave

      To act or behave; especially, to misbehave so as to attract attention; to make a fuss; to behave ostentatiously.

      • I really wish you wouldn't carry on like that in public!
      • I could hear some protestors hollering, but I wasn't close enough to make out what was happening. What were they carrying on about?
   3. 6

      To have an illicit sexual or flirtatious relationship.

      • I thought he was my friend, but all the time he was carrying on with my wife!
   4. 7

      To take baggage or luggage onto an airplane, rather than check it.

      • You may only carry on items that are smaller than a certain size.
      • You may carry them on if they fit within the limits.
      • Will you be checking any bags, or just carrying on?
   5. 8

      alternative spelling of carry-on

The neighborhood