bear the torch

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear the torch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something carrying a responsibility, for example: "The new generation of activists must bear the torch and carry on the fight for social justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Angelina Jolie, a Hollywood actress, may soon bear the torch for the agency.

The Economist

Among the more notable changes on that device was the move from Android to Tizen, an open-source mobile operating system Samsung has continued to bear the torch for on subsequent watches.

TechCrunch

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was scheduled to be the first Russian to bear the torch.

Los Angeles Times

Next, it is necessary to take into account the salary of the hardworking instructors, who are the real saviors as they bear the torch that enlightens many young minds.

Huffington Post

What with David Mitchell shouting lecturing logical observations on panel shows, and Robert Webb slagging off Corbynites on Twitter, it was hard to see who would bear the torch going forward.

Vice

But it wasn't just our tongues that we had numbed that past year, it was our younger selves: men who stayed in relationships long enough to fight for them, and then did, because we still believed in compromise; men who had moved to Los Angeles to bear the torch of Tennessee Williams, Bob Dylan and Fellini, because we still believed we could be our heroes.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

President Jacques Chirac bears the torch; he was a minister under de Gaulle.More important, the grand old man is a comforting figure in the midst of an identity crisis.

The Economist

However garlanded you are back home, your laurels almost never carry you as far as your countrymen may think; even the rower Sir Steve Redgrave, who bore the torch to the stadium yesterday, and who, by winning a gold medal at five successive Olympics, touched the limits of what any competitor can achieve, could probably walk, unhailed, down the street in any other land.

The New Yorker

There's something decidedly old-school about that sort of humility, which is perhaps fitting, because McPherson bears the torch for a genre of music -- call it rockabilly, R&B or roots rock, just don't call it self-consciously retro -- that hasn't been a true force on the Billboard charts for decades.

Huffington Post

Johnson said United States track and field had to grow up and mature, that younger runners had to learn how to better carry the torch and bear the burden.

The New York Times - Sports

Only Miss Froy (Dame May Whitty), the courageous little old lady, is there to carry the torch for Britain and bear the vital MacGuffin (in the form of a state secret encoded in a piece of folk music) that may save the nation.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear the torch", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It suggests not only carrying on a tradition but also embodying its values and spirit. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "bear the torch" in contexts where a literal torch is involved (e.g., the Olympic torch relay) unless you intend a double meaning. This can lead to confusion and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear the torch" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of continuing or upholding a tradition, principle, or responsibility, as shown in Ludwig examples where individuals or entities "bear the torch" for various causes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear the torch" is a grammatically correct and usable idiomatic expression that signifies continuing a tradition, principle, or responsibility. While not as common as its synonym ""carry the torch"", it maintains a presence in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase effectively conveys the idea of upholding values and inspiring others to maintain important efforts. When using this phrase, remember to consider its specific nuance and avoid literal interpretations to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry the torch

This alternative is a direct synonym, implying the continuation of a tradition or movement.

take up the mantle

This suggests assuming a position of leadership or responsibility, often after someone else.

assume the responsibility

This phrase directly states the act of taking on responsibility, lacking the metaphorical element.

shoulder the burden

This implies taking on a difficult or heavy responsibility.

continue the legacy

This focuses on maintaining something established by a predecessor.

keep the flame alive

This emphasizes the need to maintain enthusiasm, passion or activity in something.

take the reins

This suggests assuming control or leadership.

step into someone's shoes

This indicates replacing someone and fulfilling their role.

champion the cause

This means to advocate for or defend a particular cause or belief.

hold the fort

This implies maintaining a position or situation, often temporarily.

FAQs

What does "bear the torch" mean?

To "bear the torch" means to carry on a tradition, principle, or responsibility, especially after someone else. It implies continuing something important and upholding its values.

How can I use "bear the torch" in a sentence?

You can use "bear the torch" to describe someone who is taking over a leadership role or continuing a significant effort. For example, "The younger generation must "carry the torch" and address climate change".

What are some alternatives to "bear the torch"?

Some alternatives to "bear the torch" include "carry the torch", "take up the mantle", or "assume the responsibility" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "carry the torch" instead of "bear the torch"?

Yes, ""carry the torch"" is a perfectly acceptable and often more common synonym for "bear the torch". They both convey the same general meaning of continuing a tradition or responsibility.