burn the candle at both ends
Say it: burn the KAN-duhl at both ends /ˌbɜːn ðə ˈkændəl ət ˌbəʊθ ˈɛndz/ · idiom
What “burn the candle at both ends” means
Exhaust yourself by starting early and staying up late.
More precisely: To exhaust yourself by working early and staying up late.
When to use it
When someone gets too little rest because their days start early and end late. Informal, often a concerned warning.
Memory trick
A candle burning at both ends runs out much faster, just like your energy.
Similar words
overdo it, run yourself ragged, burn out
Quick check
You work before sunrise and study until midnight every day, leaving yourself exhausted. Which phrase describes your routine?
burn the midnight oil or burn the candle at both ends?
Show the answer
burn the candle at both ends
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