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UKburn the candle at both ends
/bˈɜːn ðə kˈandəl at bˈəʊθ ˈɛndz/
/bˈɜːn ðə kˈændəl æt bˈoʊθ ˈɛndz/to burn the candle at both ends
[PHRASE]
![to [burn] the [candle] at both ends definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41764/original/ "to [burn] the [candle] at both ends definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "burn the candle at both ends" and when to use it?
The phrase "burn the candle at both ends" is believed to have originated in the 18th century, and it is a reference to the practice of burning a candle at both ends to make it burn faster and brighter. It is used to describe someone who is working very hard or engaging in activities that require a lot of energy and effort, often to the point of exhaustion or burnout.
Examples
1. If you keep burning your candles at both ends, you're going to burn out and get sick.
2. He's been burning his candle at both ends for weeks, trying to finish his book before the deadline.
3. I used to burn the candles at both ends when I was in college, but I've learned to pace myself since then.
4. She's been burning the candle at both ends lately, working long hours at her job and staying up late to study for her exams.
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