Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to-burn-the-candle-at-both-ends
idiom
/tə ˈbɜrn ðə ˈkændəl æt boʊθ ɛndz/
Definition
To exhaust oneself by doing too much, particularly by working irregularly or staying up late while also waking up early.
Examples
- He was able to push through his finals, but he was definitely burning the candle at both ends.
- Don’t burn the candle at both ends during exam week; it’s important to get enough sleep.
- She works a full-time job and runs a side business, so she is really burning the candle at both ends.
Meaning
This phrase suggests overextending oneself, leading to a quicker burnout because of the excessive pressure and lack of rest.
Synonyms
- Overexert oneself
- Push oneself too hard
- Overdo it
- Strain oneself
