Meaning trap
carry on
behave emotionally
To behave in an uncontrolled, emotional, or foolish way, often by complaining, making a fuss, or showing excessive emotion.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To behave in an uncontrolled, emotional, or foolish way, often by complaining, making a fuss, or showing excessive emotion.
'carry on' also has the more basic meaning 'continue'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She started carrying on about how unfair everything was, even though it was just a minor inconvenience.
While some people may carry on about minor issues in public, others prefer to remain composed and address their concerns privately.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She carried on at the bad news.
Say: She carried on about the bad news. / She made a fuss about it.
In this fussing sense it's 'carry on ABOUT something'; 'carry on' alone just means continue.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Carry on' (BrE) compactly means make a fuss or behave dramatically; the formal paraphrase is flat.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
carry on (about)
- about it
- like that
- something terrible
- don't
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- carry on (continue) — 'carry on' also has the more basic meaning 'continue'; this is the advanced sense.