march on

Definition

Verb:
- To move forward, advance: The primary meaning is to proceed or continue moving ahead, especially in a steady, purposeful manner. This can refer to literal physical movement or to metaphorical progress.
- To continue, progress (of time): Used to indicate that time continues to pass or that events continue to unfold.

Usage

The verb "march on" is typically used intransitively. It describes the action of the subject itself moving forward or continuing.
It often carries a connotation of steady, inevitable, or unstoppable progress.

Examples

Literal Movement:
- The protestors continued to march on toward the capital.
- The army was ordered to march on through the night.
Metaphorical/Figurative Progress:
- Despite the setbacks, the research project marches on.
- The seasons change, and time marches on without pause.

Advanced Usage

"to march on": This phrasal verb itself is the advanced form, emphasizing forward movement or continuation. It is often used in formal, literary, or journalistic contexts to describe persistent advancement.

Variants and Related Words

Advance (verb): To move forward in a purposeful way.
Progress (verb): To move forward or toward a destination or goal.
Proceed (verb): To begin or continue a course of action.
Continue (verb): To persist in an activity or process.

Synonyms

Advance
Proceed
Continue
Forge ahead
Press on

Related Phrasal Verbs

Move on: To leave a place or situation for another, or to stop dwelling on a topic.
- It's time to move on from this argument.
Press on: To continue doing something with determination, especially despite difficulties.
- We must press on with our journey despite the storm.
Carry on: To continue an activity.
- Please carry on with your work.

Related Idioms

March to the beat of one's own drum: To behave in a way that is different from the norm.
- She's always been independent, marching to the beat of her own drum.
Steal a march on someone: To gain an advantage over someone by acting before they do.
- By releasing the product early, they stole a march on their competitors.

Verb

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
- Time marches on

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