English
carry on
Pronunciation
  • (America) IPA: /ˈkæɹi ˈɑn/
Etymology 1

Equivalent to carry onward.

Verb

carry on (third-person singular simple present carries on, present participle carrying on, simple past and past participle carried on)

  1. (idiomatic, intransitive) 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. (idiomatic, transitive) To continue, maintain or pursue (an activity or enterprise).
    Carry on the good work.
    It is difficult to carry on a conversation with so many distractions.
    to carry on commerce in a market
  3. (idiomatic, intransitive) To talk continuously about, often in an excessively excited way
    He’s always carrying on about his stupid aquarium.
  4. (idiomatic, intransitive) To act or behave; especially, to misbehave so as to attract attention; to make a fuss; to behave ostentatiously.
    Synonyms: see misbehave § Synonyms
    I really wish you wouldn't carry on like that in public!
  5. (idiomatic, intransitive) 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!
Etymology 2

Equivalent to carry onto.

Verb

carry on (third-person singular simple present carries on, present participle carrying on, simple past and past participle carried on)

  1. (idiomatic, transitive) 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.
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