Carry on
phrasal verb
To continue or proceed with something.
Despite the hardship, they decided to carry on with their journey.
Often appears as...
- carry on working
- carry on doing something
phrasal verb
To act in a foolish or excited manner.
He started to carry on when he learned about his lottery win.
Often appears as...
- carry on about something
- carry on like a fool
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Items that a passenger can take onto an airplane.
Make sure your carry on fits the overhead compartment.
Often appears as...
- carry on baggage
- carry on suitcase
phrasal verb
To behave or speak in an over-dramatic, silly, or noisy way.
Don't carry on like that. It's just a tiny scratch.
Often appears as...
- carry on crying
- carry on over nothing
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To continue or proceed with something.
Despite the hardship, they decided to carry on with their journey.
Often appears as...
- carry on working
- carry on doing something
phrasal verb
To act in a foolish or excited manner.
He started to carry on when he learned about his lottery win.
Often appears as...
- carry on about something
- carry on like a fool
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Items that a passenger can take onto an airplane.
Make sure your carry on fits the overhead compartment.
Often appears as...
- carry on baggage
- carry on suitcase
phrasal verb
To behave or speak in an over-dramatic, silly, or noisy way.
Don't carry on like that. It's just a tiny scratch.
Often appears as...
- carry on crying
- carry on over nothing
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence
Use 'carry on' to express determination to continue despite difficulties.
She had to carry on studying, even after the lights went out.
Pro Tip 2/3Encouragement
'Carry on' is often used to encourage someone to proceed with an action.
After the interruption, the teacher told the student to carry on answering.
Pro Tip 3/3With Activities
Combine 'carry on' with gerunds when referring to continue doing an activity.
They want to carry on dancing all night long.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence
Use 'carry on' to express determination to continue despite difficulties.
She had to carry on studying, even after the lights went out.
Pro Tip 2/3Encouragement
'Carry on' is often used to encourage someone to proceed with an action.
After the interruption, the teacher told the student to carry on answering.
Pro Tip 3/3With Activities
Combine 'carry on' with gerunds when referring to continue doing an activity.
They want to carry on dancing all night long.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence
Use 'carry on' to express determination to continue despite difficulties.
She had to carry on studying, even after the lights went out.
Pro Tip 2/3Encouragement
'Carry on' is often used to encourage someone to proceed with an action.
After the interruption, the teacher told the student to carry on answering.
Pro Tip 3/3With Activities
Combine 'carry on' with gerunds when referring to continue doing an activity.
They want to carry on dancing all night long.
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