Fig.: to keep things going as usual at home while someone is away

While Philip was in the hospital, Patricia kept the home fires burning: everything had to run as usual

Durante la degenza di Filippo in ospedale, è stata Patrizia a mandare avanti la baracca: tutto doveva essere come al solito

I'm working two jobs, but with five children, rent and bills to pay, I cannot make ends meet. I need a raise, or maybe I need a third job

Faccio già due lavori, ma con cinque figli a carico, l'affitto e le bollette da pagare, non riesco a mandare avanti la baracca. Devo chiedere un aumento di stipendio o forse dovrei trovarmi un terzo lavoro

In past times, while part of the population of a village was away, gone hunting, someone had to keep the village's campfire, lights, etc. burning