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What does "Burn the candle at both ends" mean?
To burn the candle at both ends means to overextend oneself by doing too much, particularly by working long hours or sacrificing rest and leisure.
When do you use "Burn the candle at both ends"?
This phrase is appropriate when discussing someone who is taking on too many responsibilities, working excessively long hours, or neglecting their health or well-being due to overcommitment.
"Burn the candle at both ends" Usage Examples
- She was burning the candle at both ends by working late into the night and getting up early for meetings.
- If you keep burning the candle at both ends, you’re going to end up feeling exhausted and unproductive.
- He decided to cut back on his overtime, realizing he had been burning the candle at both ends for too long.
- Burning the candle at both ends might help you finish the project sooner, but it will take a toll on your health.
- After burning the candle at both ends for weeks, she finally took a much-needed vacation to recharge.
"Burn the candle at both ends" Explained
The phrase originates from the literal act of burning a candle from both ends, which leads to a faster consumption of the candle and a shorter lifespan. This metaphor suggests that a person engaging in such behavior is exhausting their energy and resources more quickly than they can be replenished, ultimately leading to burnout.