Burn the candle at both ends

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Meaning

To overwork or exhaust yourself, pushing too hard.

Origin

From 17th-century France, 'brûler la chandelle par les deux bouts'; wasteful burn, English by 1730 in a Pope poem for excess. Candles, dear then, burned fast this way; it reflects a pre-electric splurge and night toil.

Variants

  • Candle both ends

Usage Examples

  • She's burning the candle at both ends; work and play.
  • Burning the candle at both ends; he's wiped.
  • Don't burn the candle at both ends-rest!

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