Carry definition: what "Carry" means and examples

In gaming, a "carry" is a player who is so skilled they win the match for their entire team. In a school or social context, it refers to the person who takes on all the responsibility. If your child "carried" a group project, they did all the research and writing while their peers did nothing. It is a term that acknowledges a high level of competence and effort, often with a hint of resentment toward those who are "tagging along." It highlights the imbalance of labour in social or academic situations and serves as a badge of honour for the person who saved the day.

Examples:

1. "I basically had to carry the whole science project because no one else would help."
2. "Their lead singer is amazing; she really carries the whole band during their live shows."
3. "Thanks for carrying us in that trivia quiz, I didn't know any of the answers."