burn the candle at both ends: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘burn the candle at both ends’ mean?
When someone is *burning the candle at both ends*, they are living or working in a way that uses up all their energy and resources quickly. It suggests that they are pushing themselves too hard and not taking time for rest or self-care.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom used to describe someone who is performing or doing something with great intensity or effort.
The idiom "get one's fingers burnt" means to suffer negative consequences or experience a setback due to one's own actions or decisions. It implies getting physically or metaphorically hurt or harmed as a result of taking a risk or involving oneself in a dangerous or risky situation.
Empty the tank means to give all of one's effort or energy in order to achieve a goal or complete a task, leaving nothing behind. It signifies going all out and using up all available resources, both physically and mentally.
The idiom "eat, breathe, and sleep" means to be completely consumed or obsessed with something, to the point where it becomes an essential and constant part of one's life.
The idiom "ears are burning" is used when you get the feeling that someone is talking about you, often in a negative or gossiping way.
The idiom "do-or-die" means that a situation requires full commitment and determination. It suggests that failure is not an option and that one must give their utmost effort to succeed.
The idiom "don't knock yourself out" means to not exert too much effort or strain oneself excessively in accomplishing a task or achieving a goal.
The idiom "cooking with gas" means to be making excellent progress or achieving success. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is performing at their best or things are going very well.
The idiom "clock is ticking" means that time is running out or that there is a deadline approaching. It implies a sense of urgency and the need for action to be taken before it is too late.
The idiom "circle the drain" means to be in a rapid decline or nearing the end. It suggests a situation or person approaching a point of no return or impending failure.
Dual Inferno
The idiom "burn out" is closely related to the phrase "burn the candle at both ends." It refers to the state of exhaustion and depletion that occurs when someone has been overworking or pushing themselves too hard for an extended period of time. Burnout is often characterized by physical, mental, and emotional fatigue, as well as a decreased sense of motivation and satisfaction in one's work or personal life.
When someone is burning the candle at both ends, they are essentially setting themselves up for burnout. By constantly exerting themselves, neglecting self-care, and disregarding the need for rest and relaxation, individuals increase their risk of reaching a point where they can no longer sustain their current pace. This can have serious consequences on their overall well-being and productivity.
Additionally, the idiom "burn the midnight oil" is also related to burning the candle at both ends. It refers to staying up late into the night, typically to work or study. This phrase underscores the notion of sacrificing sleep and rest in order to accomplish tasks or achieve goals. Just like burning the candle at both ends, burning the midnight oil can lead to exhaustion and a decline in one's physical and mental health.
The idiom "someone's heart out" can also be connected to the concept of burning the candle at both ends. It is used to describe someone who puts all their effort, energy, and passion into something. This phrase suggests that individuals who are burning the candle at both ends are doing so with great intensity and dedication. They are fully committed to their work or obligations, often to the point of neglecting other aspects of their lives.
By incorporating these related idioms into the discussion of burning the candle at both ends, we can further emphasize the negative consequences of overworking and neglecting self-care. Burnout, insomnia, and an imbalanced focus on work can all contribute to a decline in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is important for individuals to recognize the dangers of such lifestyles and make conscious efforts to prioritize their health and overall happiness.
Ultimately, burning the candle at both ends, burning the midnight oil, and giving one's heart out all exemplify the potential hazards of excessive busyness and a lack of balance in life. These idioms serve as reminders to individuals to take care of themselves, set boundaries, and strive for a more sustainable and fulfilling existence. By heeding their messages, we can avoid burnout, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and cultivate a greater sense of overall well-being.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "burn the candle at both ends" can be used in a sentence:
- She has been burning the candle at both ends, working long hours during the day and staying up late to study at night.
- My cousin's health started declining because he was burning the candle at both ends, constantly partying and neglecting his sleep.
- The entrepreneur burned the candle at both ends to meet the demands of running two successful businesses simultaneously.
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