What it means
You’re pushing yourself too hard by staying up late and still getting up early, so you end up knackered and running on fumes. Picture a candle lit at both ends, it burns out twice as fast. People use it for work, partying, or any messy mix of the two. Keep it up and you’ll crash, guaranteed.
Usage examples
"I’ve been burning the candle at both ends all week, late at the pub then up for the commute. No wonder I’m shattered."
"He's been burning the candle at both ends all week, work till late then up at six for the gym."
"You can't keep burning the candle at both ends, mate, you'll be knackered before the deadline even lands."
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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