Burn the Midnight Oil Idiom Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The idiom “Burn the midnight oil” means to work or study late into the night, especially beyond normal hours, in order to complete a task or achieve a goal. It implies putting in extra effort and dedication by sacrificing sleep or leisure time in order to accomplish something. The phrase originates from the times when people relied on oil lamps for illumination, and burning the oil late at night allowed them to continue working.

Usage with Examples

The idiom “Burn the midnight oil” is used in various contexts where someone is describing or acknowledging putting in extra effort, often involving long hours of work or study. Here are some situations where you might encounter this expression:

1. “I have a big exam tomorrow, so I’ll be burning the midnight oil to review all the material.”
2. “During finals week, many students are burning the midnight oil to finish their term papers.”
3. “She’s been burning the midnight oil at the office to prepare for the upcoming presentation.”

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to Burn the Midnight Oil Idiom 

Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words for the Burn the Midnight Oil idiom:

• Burning the Candle at Both Ends
• Burning the Midnight Candle
• Burning the Late-Night Oil
• Burning the Oil Lamp
• Burning the Late Hours
• Pulling an All-Nighterangry
• Burning the Night Away
• Working Late into the Night
• Burning the Early Morning Oil
• Burning the Midnight Wick

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS 

Burn the Midnight Oil Idiom Quiz

Question 1: What does the idiom “Burn the Midnight Oil” mean?

A) To light a candle late at night for illumination.
B) To work or study late into the night with dedication and effort.

C) To enjoy a nighttime bonfire.

D) To sleep soundly through the night.

Answer: (B)

This was all about the idiom Burn the Midnight Oil’s meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.