Burn the Candle at Both Ends Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiomatic phrase burn the candle at both ends refers to doing hard work continuously and tirelessly by putting in extra efforts, without taking rest. This idiom is used for people who have extra focus on work and they sometimes exhaust themselves by being overburdened with work. Person who is doing extra work might be working on multiple things at the same time or juggling himself between multiple responsibilities. Working day and night without breaks could also be referred to as burning the candle at both ends.

Also read: All the Way Meaning, Examples and Synonyms 

Usage with Examples

This idiomatic expression is used for a person who neglects self-care over work. Working tirelessly without thinking about one’s own health could lead to instability at physical or mental level. The idiom is used at a place where someone is excessively draining himself by doing overtime at work or for the person who does not give importance to health and ultimately faces negative health consequences of a stressful lifestyle. 

Mentioned below are the examples of the idiom ‘burn the candle at both ends’:

• Selena has been burning the candle at both ends since she started working on her new music album.
• Deepa’s health was severely affected, burning the candle at both ends as she was juggling herself between a full-time job and studies.

Also read: Useful idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meaning

Synonyms and Similar Words to Burn the Candle at Both Ends

Mentioned below are some of the synonyms and similar words to the idiom burn the candle at both ends:

• Do too much
• Overdo
• Push oneself too hard
• Overwork
• Exhaustion

Burn the Candle at Both Ends Meaning Quiz

Joe’s doctor advised him to avoid exhausting himself at work as it is affecting his mental health. 

Replace the word exhausting himself at work with appropriate idiom:

1. Burning the candle at both ends
2. Taking break
3. Doing minimum work

Ans: a. Burning the candle at both ends

This was all about the idiom ‘burn the candle at both ends’ meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.