Burn the Candle at Both Ends: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
September 18, 2023

The phrase "burn the candle at both ends" is a popular idiom used to describe a situation where someone works too hard or tries too much at once. This idiom is often used to describe someone working long hours, juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply trying to do too much in a short time. The imagery of the idiom suggests that one is using up all of their energy or resources, similar to how a candle would burn out quickly if it were lit at both ends.

In short:

"Burn the candle at both ends" means to work excessively hard or to exhaust oneself by trying to do too much at once.

What Does "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" Mean?

The idiom has a single primary meaning, which relates to exhausting oneself by doing too much work or taking on too many responsibilities. This idiom suggests that the person is overexerting themselves mentally or physically and may eventually exhaust their energy or resources. People frequently use the phrase as a warning, suggesting that someone should slow down or take a break before reaching the point of exhaustion.

  • The main meaning of this idiom is to work too hard or to exhaust oneself by taking on too many responsibilities.
  • The idiom also suggests that the person is overexerting themselves and may eventually run out of energy. People often use the phrase with a negative connotation, suggesting that someone should take a break or slow down.

The idiom primarily means one thing, but you can apply it in various situations to describe someone overexerting themselves. For example, you might use it to talk about someone pulling long hours at work, managing multiple responsibilities between home and job, or simply trying to do too much in too little time.

Where Does "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" Come From?

The French poet Edna St. Vincent Millay first coined the idiom in her 1918 poem "First Fig."

Historical Usage

My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
It gives a lovely light!

In the poem, Millay is essentially saying that although living life in a carefree, intense manner can be draining, it is also exhilarating. So the next time you find yourself wanting to make it up by putting in those extra hours, remember that balance is key.

10 Examples of "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" in Sentences

To fully grasp the meaning and usage of the idiom, let's look at some example sentences.

  • You can't keep burning the candle at both ends and expect to be in the pink of health.
  • She was so exhausted because she had been burning the candle at both ends for weeks.
  • No matter what challenges I face, I often burn the candle at both ends to overcome them.
  • You're really burning that candle at both ends, aren't you?
  • My friend told me I'd burn out if I kept burning the candle at both ends.
  • I've been burning the candle at both ends to finish this project.
  • When she's writing her novel, she tends to burn the candle at both ends, working late into the night and waking up early.
  • He's so stressed because he's burning the candle at both ends.
  • Drinking coffee late at night makes me burn the candle at both ends, as I work late and still wake up early.
  • Which project should I prioritize if I don't want to burn the candle at both ends?

Examples of "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" in Pop Culture

This phrase has appeared numerous times in movies, songs, and books.

  • The song "Both Ends Burning" by Roxy Music delves into the emotional aspect of this idiom.
  • In the TV series "Grey's Anatomy," one of the characters warns another not to "burn the candle at both ends."
  • "Burn the Candle at Both Ends" is a book by Tom Bower that discusses the life of entrepreneurs who overwork.
  • In the film "Limitless," the character played by Bradley Cooper is essentially burning the candle at both ends by using a drug to maximize his cognitive functions.
  • The phrase is also mentioned in the popular book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey as a caution against unsustainable work habits.

Other/Different Ways to Say “Burn the Candle at Both Ends”

There are other ways to express the same concept; for example:

  • Running yourself ragged
  • Spread too thin
  • Overwork yourself
  • Burning the midnight oil

It's often a good idea to call around and gather different perspectives before you find yourself stripped off of all energy and attracting problems.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About “Burn the Candle at Both Ends”

  • What does "burn the candle at both ends" mean?

It means that you're overworking yourself or doing too much at once, which can be harmful in the long run.

  • Who came up with this phrase?

The phrase is generally attributed to the French poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, who used it in her poem "First Fig" in 1918.

  • Do people commonly use this phrase today?

Yes, it's a common idiom that's widely understood to mean overworking oneself or being too busy.

  • Is it a negative phrase?

Generally, yes. It implies that the person is risking their health or well-being by doing too much.

  • Can you use this idiom in a positive way?

It's rare, but some people may use it to indicate that they're fully engaged in life, even if it's exhausting.

  • Do other languages use it?

The specific idiom may not exist, but similar phrases that caution against overwork exist in many languages.

  • Do people in the corporate world use it?

Yes, it's often used in work settings as a cautionary phrase against unsustainable work habits.

  • Can it relate to emotional exhaustion?

Absolutely. The idiom can apply to physical as well as emotional or mental exhaustion.

  • How can I avoid "burning the candle at both ends"?

Prioritize tasks, take breaks, and maintain a balanced lifestyle to avoid falling into this trap.

The idiom is mostly used in conversational or artistic settings, rather than academic writing.

Final Thoughts About “Burn the Candle at Both Ends”

In today's fast-paced society, where the grind never seems to stop, the warning not to burn the candle at both ends is more relevant than ever.

  • The idiom encapsulates the perils of overworking yourself or stretching yourself too thin.
  • Its historical roots stem from the work of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, emphasizing the captivating but potentially damaging allure of living life at full throttle.
  • This phrase crops up in various facets of pop culture, serving as advice and caution.

There are different ways to express the same concept, providing us with a rich tapestry of language to navigate the complexities of work-life balance.

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