What does 'carry on' mean?

What it means: To continue doing something, especially after a pause or difficulty.

"Please carry on — I didn't mean to interrupt."
"She carried on working through lunch."

British vs American: "Carry on" is much more common in British English. Americans typically say "keep going", "continue", or "go on." If an American says "carry on", it can sound formal or slightly theatrical.

Slightly different shade: "Carry on" can also imply persistence through difficulty — carrying on despite adversity. This gives it a determined, stoic quality. "We'll carry on regardless" sounds resilient.

As a noun: "A carry-on" in British slang means unnecessary fuss or drama. "What's all this carry-on about?" Also used for cabin luggage (carry-on bag).

• "Keep going" — casual
• "Continue" — formal
• "Crack on" — British slang for getting on with something

Tags: phrasal verbs, British English, continuing, everyday English