[Idiom] BURNING THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS. - Avoiding Burnout: Why Rest is Crucial

overworking oneself

Ever felt so overwhelmed with tasks that you sacrifice sleep just to get more done? If so, you’ve been 'burning the candle at both ends.' This vivid idiom paints the picture of a candle burning simultaneously from both the top and the bottom, which, while producing more light for a while, quickly leads to its complete burnout. It's a common metaphor for people who overextend themselves by working late into the night and starting early in the morning, only to find themselves exhausted and less efficient over time. For instance, a diligent but tired student who studies until 2 AM and wakes up at 6 AM to continue prepping for exams is certainly burning the candle at both ends, risking their health and well-being for temporary gains.

Example Sentences

1. He's burning the candle at both ends.

   He is overworking himself by managing too many tasks.

2. She’s burning the candle at both ends with work and school responsibilities.

   She is exhausting herself by handling work and school at the same time.

3. Burning the candle at both ends, he soon found himself exhausted and sick.

   By overworking himself, he ended up exhausted and sick.