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To burn the candle at both ends means to use up your energy by doing too much, especially by staying up late too often.
The expression comes from the image of lighting a candle at both ends. A candle burned this way gives more light for a short time but is used up much faster.
The expression comes from the image of lighting a candle at both ends. A candle burned this way gives more light for a short time but is used up much faster.
She has been burning the candle at both ends while studying for exams and working a night job.