Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“I went to school, and I have an acting coach, but a lot of people don’t like to talk about that stuff. I feel like you need to carry the torch a little bit before you play Hamlet.”
—Actor Sam Rockwell, speaking about his acting career after Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri (52 Insights)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
continue a tradition
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
There are many great traditions and cultures. Many people say a lot are going away. This is because towns are disappearing and cities are getting bigger. In the city, everything can be so fast that it might be hard to keep doing traditions like prayer, parties, or festivals. One might be too stressed. One might not have enough time. The city is too busy, and it is difficult to carry the torch.
When someone carries the torch, they hold onto a tradition. Traditions can be passed on by family members, teachers, people who do the same kind of work or hobby you do, or anyone, really. Actor Sam Rockwell learned many acting traditions from older, more experienced actors. They taught him how to take care of his voice and stay calm when performing becomes stressful. He hopes to carry the torch when he plays Hamlet, a classic Shakespeare play.
How do you plan to carry the torch? Which traditions are your favorite?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“My mom was a great singer, and I’m going to carry the torch of her great talent in my musical career.”
“We carry the torch of our parents’ traditions and values.”
“If someone is carrying the torch, they are working hard to make a tradition grow stronger.”