bɜrn ðə ˈkændəl æt boʊθ endz
Work
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To light a candle from both the top and bottom
What does "burn the candle at both ends" mean?
- To exhaust oneself by working too hard or staying up too late
- To use up one's energy and resources too quickly
Examples
- She's been burning the candle at both ends with work and night school.
- You can't keep burning the candle at both ends—you'll get sick.
- During exam week, students often burn the candle at both ends.
Origin
From the 18th century, when candles were expensive. Burning from both ends used light faster but was wasteful. The phrase implies overexertion leading to exhaustion.
How to use it
Common expression for overworking or living life to excess. Usually carries a warning about sustainability.
Similar expressions
overwork
push oneself too hard
burn out
Opposites
take it easy
pace oneself
Related idioms
- hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is true or important
- call it a day
To stop working for the day
- have one's hands full
To be very busy with something
- learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a job or activity
- it's not rocket science
It's not difficult to understand or do
- get your act together
To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "burn the candle at both ends" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.