PhrasesHub

Burning the candle at both ends

    Definitions

      • overworking oneself
        To work excessively or too hard, often resulting in exhaustion or burnout

      • living a destructive lifestyle
        To engage in excessive or reckless behavior that is harmful to one's well-being or future prospects

      • wasting resources
        To use up or deplete resources, such as time, money, or energy, at a faster rate than they can be replenished

    Examples of Burning the candle at both ends

    • Sarah has been burning the candle at both ends lately. She's been working late nights and waking up early for meetings, leaving her exhausted and drained.

      This idiom refers to someone who is overworking themselves, often by staying up late and waking up early, leaving them with little time for rest or relaxation. The image of burning a candle at both ends is one of excess and waste, as the candle will eventually burn out completely if it's used in this way.

    • After months of burning the candle at both ends, John finally collapsed from exhaustion. His doctor advised him to slow down and prioritize his health.

      This example shows the potential consequences of overworking oneself. Burning the candle at both ends can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, as well as health problems. It's important to find a balance between work and rest to avoid burning out completely.

    • The company's CEO is known for burning the candle at both ends, but his dedication and hard work have paid off. The company is now one of the most successful in its industry.

      This example shows that while burning the candle at both ends can be risky, it's not necessarily a bad thing if it leads to success. However, it's important to remember that success should not come at the cost of one's health and well-being.

    • The team's workload has been overwhelming, and everyone is feeling the effects of burning the candle at both ends. We need to find a way to manage our time more effectively.

      This example shows that burning the candle at both ends is not just an individual issue, but can affect an entire team or organization. It's important to find ways to manage workloads and prioritize rest and relaxation to avoid burnout and exhaustion.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "burning the candle at both ends" is often used to describe someone who is overworking themselves, often to the point of exhaustion or burnout. It can also refer to living a destructive lifestyle, where one engages in excessive or reckless behavior that is harmful to their well-being or future prospects. Additionally, it can convey the idea of wasting resources, whether it be time, money, or energy, at a faster rate than they can be replenished.

    The phrase is typically used as a cautionary warning, advising against engaging in such behaviors or activities. It serves as a reminder that overworking oneself or living recklessly can have negative consequences, and that it is important to find a balance and take care of oneself.

    Origin of "Burning the candle at both ends"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 18th century, when candles were used as a primary source of light. Burning a candle at both ends would result in the candle burning faster and therefore, wasting more resources. This idea was then applied to human behavior, suggesting that working excessively or living recklessly is not sustainable and will ultimately lead to negative consequences.

    Some sources also suggest that the phrase may have been inspired by the Greek poet, Horace, who wrote "the man who is always at work and never at rest, is always squandering his life." Over time, the idiom has evolved to encompass not just overworking, but also living a destructive lifestyle and wasting resources in general.