Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is working or living at a strenuous pace, often to the point of exhaustion, by exerting effort from early morning until late at night.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “She’s been burning the candle at both ends trying to balance her job and family responsibilities.”
- “John’s been burning the candle at both ends studying for his exams while also working part-time.”
- “It’s not healthy to burn the candle at both ends; you need to take breaks and prioritize self-care.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “burn the candle at both ends” dates back to the 18th century and is attributed to the English poet and playwright Edmond Rostand. In his play “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1897), Rostand used the metaphor of a candle to describe a life of excess and self-destructive behavior. Burning a candle at both ends would cause it to consume itself rapidly, similar to how someone living a hectic lifestyle might deplete their energy and resources. Over time, the phrase became a popular idiom to describe excessive work or activity that leads to exhaustion or burnout.
