How Do You Spell BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS?

Pronunciation: [bˈɜːn ðə kˈandə͡l at bˈə͡ʊθ ˈɛndz] (IPA)

The phrase "burn the candle at both ends" means to overexert oneself by working too much or engaging in too many activities simultaneously. Pronounced /bɜːrn ðə ˈkændəl æt bəʊθ ɛndz/, the spelling follows the traditional English orthography. The long "e" sound in "burn" is represented by the letter "u", while the "a" in "candle" is pronounced as a short "a". The phrase's alliteration emphasizes the similar sounds in "burn" and "both" and the repetition of the "n" and "d" sounds in "burn" and "candle" respectively.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
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BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS Meaning and Definition

  1. To "burn the candle at both ends" is an idiomatic expression that means the act of exerting oneself excessively by working or staying up late into the night while also waking up very early in the morning, often leading to exhaustion or burnout. This phrase originated from the practice of lighting a candle at both ends, which results in it burning faster and therefore being depleted more quickly.

    Metaphorically, "burning the candle at both ends" implies pushing oneself to the limits without regard for personal well-being or rest, typically due to intense work commitments, responsibilities, or the pursuit of multiple activities simultaneously. This expression suggests a lack of balance, as it emphasizes the unsustainable nature of such a lifestyle.

    Someone who "burns the candle at both ends" may be constantly overworked, constantly busy, and rarely able to relax or take care of themselves adequately. The consequence of this lifestyle is often physical and mental exhaustion, with potential long-term health implications. This expression serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing self-care in order to avoid the negative effects associated with excessive and unsustainable productivity.

Common Misspellings for BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS

  • vurn the candle at both ends
  • nurn the candle at both ends
  • hurn the candle at both ends
  • gurn the candle at both ends
  • byrn the candle at both ends
  • bhrn the candle at both ends
  • bjrn the candle at both ends
  • birn the candle at both ends
  • b8rn the candle at both ends
  • b7rn the candle at both ends
  • buen the candle at both ends
  • budn the candle at both ends
  • bufn the candle at both ends
  • butn the candle at both ends
  • bu5n the candle at both ends
  • bu4n the candle at both ends
  • burb the candle at both ends
  • burm the candle at both ends
  • burj the candle at both ends
  • burh the candle at both ends

Idioms with the word BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS

  • burn the candle at both ends To work or party extremely hard into the late hours of the night and then again early in the morning without enough rest.

Infographic

Correct spelling for burn the candle at both ends
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