torch 的意思是 火把，火炬，做动词是指 用火炬点燃

今天学习的美国俚语是 carry the torch，这个短语是神马意思呢？

字面上的意思是 举着火炬 carry the torch

http://fmn.rrfmn.com/fmn051/20110312/1110/b_large_b2gS_27d00005026f5c44.jpg

carry the torch 另外的意思有 奋斗，开战

http://fmn.rrfmn.com/fmn047/20110312/1110/b_large_Ei4N_27c60000430f5c44.jpg

另外，carry the torch 还有个鲜为人知的意思~那就是 单恋，单相思，悬疑小说家日本作家 东野圭吾 在去年推出一本小说，书名就是《单恋》（carry the torch），但看名字还真不知道这是一本悬疑小说~

http://fmn.rrfmn.com/fmn054/20110312/1110/b_large_WpNs_27d0000503615c44.jpg

Definition of TORCH

1

: a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau

2

: something (as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance <pass the torch to the next generation>

3

: any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame — compare blowtorch

4

<chiefly British>: flashlight

5

: incendiary

Examples of TORCH

1. in an insurance scam, the slumlord hired a torch to burn the tenement down

Origin of TORCH

Middle English torche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin torca, alteration of Latin torqua something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of torques; akin to Latin torquēre to twist — more at torture

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TORCH

Synonyms: firebug, incendiary, arsonist

Related Words: pyromaniac; flamer, igniter (also ignitor), immolator, inflamer, kindler