Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

burn-the-candle-at-both-ends

idiom

/bɜrn ðə ˈkændl æt boʊθ ɛndz/

Definition

To exhaust oneself by doing too much; to engage in excessive work or play without rest.

Examples

She was working two jobs and studying at night, really burning the candle at both ends.
If you keep burning the candle at both ends, you’re going to run out of energy.

Meaning

This phrase refers to a situation where someone is overextending themselves, often leading to stress or burnout. It suggests that a person is using up their energy in multiple areas, possibly sacrificing sleep and well-being in the process.