What does “The game is not worth the candle.” mean?
"The game is not worth the candle" means that the cost or effort required to achieve a certain goal is not worth the potential reward, implying that there are better ways to use one's resources and energy and that the benefits of the goal are not worth the sacrifice.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I don't think it's worth spending so much time and money on this project. The game is not worth the candle. We should focus on something more valuable.
Example
She realized that the amount of work required to win the competition was not worth the prize. The game is not worth the candle. She decided to withdraw and invest her time in other activities.
Example
After considering the potential benefits and drawbacks, he concluded that pursuing a career in that field is not worth the candle. He decided to explore other options
Is “The game is not worth the candle.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The game is not worth the candle.” 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 “The game is not worth the candle.” effectively in context?
You can use "The game is not worth the candle" to express the idea that the cost or effort required to achieve a certain goal is not worth the potential reward. It implies that there are better ways to use one’s resources and energy, and that the benefits of the goal are not worth the sacrifice. For example, if a friend is considering investing a significant amount of time and money into a project with little chance of success, you might say, 'I don't think it's worth spending so much time and money on this project. The game is not worth the candle. We should focus on something more valuable.'
- 1Project or Task
I don't think it's worth spending so much time and money on this project. The game is not worth the candle. We should focus on something more valuable.
- 2Competition
She realized that the amount of work required to win the competition was not worth the prize. The game is not worth the candle. She decided to withdraw and invest her time in other activities.
- 3Career Choice
After considering the potential benefits and drawbacks, he concluded that pursuing a career in that field is not worth the candle. He decided to explore other options.
Similar phrases to “The game is not worth the candle.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The game is not worth the candle.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The game is not worth the candle" can be traced back to the 17th century. In the past, candles were a valuable and limited resource. The phrase originated from the idea that if the game or activity being played was not enjoyable or rewarding enough, it was not worth using up a precious candle for light.
Is “The game is not worth the candle.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "The game is not worth the candle" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. However, it is still known and understood by native English speakers. It may be more commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
What tone does “The game is not worth the candle.” have?
"The game is not worth the candle" conveys a tone of practicality and rationality. It suggests that one should carefully consider the costs and benefits before investing time, effort, or resources into a particular endeavor.
Can “The game is not worth the candle.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "The game is not worth the candle" is more formal in nature. It is often used in written or spoken discourse that requires a more sophisticated or literary style. While it can be used in informal conversations, it may sound slightly old-fashioned or unfamiliar to some people.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "The game is not worth the candle" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'This project is not worth the candle.' to imply that the effort is not worth the potential reward.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- not worth it
- not worth one's while
- not worth the investment
- not worth the sacrifice
- not worth the price
Antonyms
- worth the effort
- worth the trouble
- worth the sacrifice
- worth the investment
- worth the price
