What does “Burn the candle at both ends” mean?

"Burn the candle at both ends" means to work or do activities from early in the morning until late at night.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I've been burning the candle at both ends trying to finish this project.

Example

She's exhausted from burning the candle at both ends studying for exams.

Example

He's been burning the candle at both ends to meet the deadline

Is “Burn the candle at both ends” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Burn the candle at both ends” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Burn the candle at both ends” effectively in context?

You can use "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" to describe someone who is working or engaging in activities from early in the morning until late at night, often to the point of exhaustion. It emphasizes the idea of pushing oneself to the limit and neglecting rest or leisure time. For example, if a friend is constantly busy with work and social commitments, you might say, 'She's been burning the candle at both ends lately.'

1Work
I've been burning the candle at both ends trying to finish this project.
2Education
She's exhausted from burning the candle at both ends studying for exams.
3Deadlines
He's been burning the candle at both ends to meet the deadline.

Similar phrases to “Burn the candle at both ends”:

Work around the clock

To work continuously without taking breaks or resting

Example

They had to work around the clock to meet the deadline.

Run oneself ragged

To exhaust oneself by working excessively or doing too much

Example

She's been running herself ragged trying to juggle work and family responsibilities.

Bite off more than one can chew

To take on more tasks or responsibilities than one can handle

Example

He bit off more than he could chew by accepting multiple projects at once.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Burn the candle at both ends” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" is unknown.

Is “Burn the candle at both ends” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is overworking themselves or neglecting self-care due to a heavy workload or busy schedule.

What tone does “Burn the candle at both ends” have?

"Burn the Candle at Both Ends" conveys a tone of exhaustion and concern. It suggests that someone is pushing themselves too hard and may need to take a break or prioritize self-care.

Can “Burn the candle at both ends” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized expression that describes a common phenomenon of overworking or neglecting rest. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's been burning the candle at both ends lately.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "burn the candle at both ends"!' to imply a busy schedule or workload.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

overwork oneself
push oneself too hard
neglect rest
exhaust oneself