carry light—elucidate or clarify smth.:
- Arguments which carry light have their effect, even against an opponent who shuts his eyes.
Note:
a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase hold the spotlight—be in the center of attention:
- Pegi held the spotlight with compelling songs, a lovely voice and charming personality.
b) The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase hide one’s light under a bushel—(also: hide one’s light under a bushel basket) show extreme modesty; conceal or suppress one’s talents or successes:
- Since college, he’s observed that nobody likes a know-it-all, and consequently continued to hide his light under a bushel.
carry the torch—
1. retain admiration or love for a person (especially if the feeling is not mutual):
- She still carries the torch for her former husband, Wyn, whose family couldn’t accept her working-class background.
2. support a movement or cause:
- This group aims to carry the torch for the millions of people who demonstrated and the thousands who died.
Cf.: pass the torch—relinquish one’s responsibilities, practice, etc. to another person:
- He did his job well, avoided publicity, and passed the torch to his successor.