Keep the Candle Burning (an English Idiom)

This phrase is a very popular and we say it to each other in order to encourage each other with a dream. It basically means “Don’t lose hope” or “Keep the dream alive”.

It is particularly popular in American English where self help psychology in often quoted and used amongst friends. In British English we use it too but a more common phrase is “keep going” or “don’t give up”.

Keep the candle burning is particularly useful when we are learning another language. It sometimes feels like we are standing at the bottom of a mountain and we can’t seem to ascend even a step. Even when we do, the next day it looks like we haven’t done very much. That’s because we are looking at it academically. Our words had no meaning because they were not shared with anyone.

It is strange that we see language learning as something uphill rather than a flat race or long journey. This type of imagery shows us that we see ourselves as the starting point of learning. When we see ourselves as the sole person responsible it adds pressure and builds a fake picture.

A much better way is to realise that language learning can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be. If you see it as a mountain then you have a tough climb but if you see it as a kilometer you need to walk today then you can picture it as something manageable.

My advice is simply begin with the verb to be – and then start walking.

Remember we all need a bit of encouragement from time to time, it is quite normal to stop reflect and feel a bit sad. Especially if you are trying to do this alone. The problem is never your English, the problem is your thinking about your English.

Keep the candle burning!