Question

Select the meaning of the phrase/ idiom.
Carry on.
a. Start
b. Execute
c. Finish
d. Continue

Answer 1

Hint: Phrases are those sets of words that form a grammatical unit. It can be part of the main clause and the subordinate clause. The above phrase is often used in situations where we want to imply going on with work or a situation where it has already begun to take place. These can be used as a command or as a request depending on the situation.

Complete answer:
Now, from the options given above,
Start: This word doesn’t refer to the above phrase, since we are talking about something that is already in motion. Eg: Start the race by 2’ o'clock. We have to wind up before it starts raining.
Execute: This word talks about the implementation of something that hasn’t yet begun, hence, it is not the answer. Eg: The major executed the plan to infiltrate the terrorist camp, successfully.
Finish: here, the phrase means to keep on with something and not to terminate it. Eg: He asked us to finish the work by evening so that we can get the results the next day.
Continue: this word is the exact definition to what carry on refers to. The person is being asked to continue with the task in hand. Eg: We were asked to continue with the project till the end of this month.

Hence, Option d, is the correct answer to the above question.

Note: Start and finish are extremities of an action. Hence, carry on refers to something between these two extremities.