[burn] the [candle] at both ends
1
to drain oneself by working very late into the night and getting up early in the morning
The phrase "burn the candle at both ends" is believed to have originated in the 18th century, and it is a reference to the practice of burning a candle at both ends to make it burn faster and brighter. It is used to describe someone who is working very hard or engaging in activities that require a lot of energy and effort, often to the point of exhaustion or burnout.
- He's been burning his candle at both ends for weeks, trying to finish his book before the deadline.
- I used to burn the candles at both ends when I was in college, but I've learned to pace myself since then.
- If you keep burning your candles at both ends, you're going to burn out and get sick.
- She's been burning the candle at both ends lately, working long hours at her job and staying up late to study for her exams.