“Burn the candle at both ends” is an idiomatic expression that means to overwork or exert oneself too much, often by maintaining long hours of work both during the day and the night. It implies a lifestyle that is unsustainable and likely to lead to physical or mental exhaustion.
- Pronunciation: /bɜrn ði ˈkændl æt boʊθ ɛndz/
- Type: Idiomatic Expression
Synonyms:
- Overwork /ˌoʊvərˈwɜrk/ (v.): to work excessively hard.
Example: Mary tends to overwork herself during the exam season. - Exert oneself /ɪɡˈzɜrt wʌnˈsɛlf/ (v.): to make a strenuous physical or mental effort.
Example: He really exerted himself to complete the project on time. - Overextend /ˌoʊvərɪkˈstɛnd/ (v.): to stretch beyond a safe or reasonable limit.
Example: She overextended herself by juggling multiple commitments.
Antonyms:
- Pace oneself /peɪs wʌnˈsɛlf/ (v.): to distribute one’s activities steadily.
Example: It’s crucial to pace oneself during the marathon. - Rest /rɛst/ (v.): to cease work or movement to relax or recover strength.
Example: Doctors advise us to rest adequately each day.
2. Analysis of Usage in IELTS
Prevalence in IELTS Exam
The idiom “burn the candle at both ends” is common in conversational English and can appear in various parts of the IELTS exam, particularly in the speaking and writing sections. Understanding and using idiomatic expressions like this one can enhance your score by demonstrating a proficient command of the English language.
Usage in IELTS Sections:
- Speaking: You might use this idiom while discussing topics related to work-life balance, stress, or daily routines.
- Writing: It can be employed to enhance arguments in essays about productivity, exhaustion, or societal pressures.
Example IELTS Speaking Question
Question: How do you manage your time between work and personal life?
Response: Balancing work and personal life is challenging. I used to burn the candle at both ends, trying to excel at my job while also keeping up with my hobbies. However, I realized this approach was unsustainable and now prioritize rest.
Example IELTS Writing Question
Question: Some people believe that working long hours is essential for achieving success. Do you agree or disagree?
Response: While working diligently is key to success, consistently burning the candle at both ends can be detrimental to one’s health and productivity. Overworking often leads to burnout, which can impede long-term success and well-being.
3. Practical Examples and Analysis
Example Sentences
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Sentence: She has been burning the candle at both ends to meet the project deadline.
Analysis: Used in context to describe someone working excessively hard. -
Sentence: By burning the candle at both ends, he managed to complete the assignment ahead of time.
Analysis: Highlights the consequence of working late into the night and early in the morning. -
Sentence: If you continuously burn the candle at both ends, you will eventually experience burnout.
Analysis: Warns about the risks of overworking. -
Sentence: Many students burn the candle at both ends during exam periods.
Analysis: Relates the idiom to academic pressure and overstudying. -
Sentence: It’s important not to burn the candle at both ends to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Analysis: Advises moderation to avoid exhaustion.
Burn the Candle
Combining the Idiom with Other Words
-
Sentence: Despite burning the candle at both ends, she maintained a positive attitude.
Combination: Adding “despite” shows contrast. -
Sentence: Organizations must recognize employees who burn the candle at both ends to prevent productivity loss.
Combination: “Employees who” provide specificity.
4. Related Idiomatic Expressions
- Burn oneself out /bɜrn wʌnˈsɛlf aʊt/ (v.): To exhaust through overwork.
Example: Jane is likely to burn herself out if she continues working this hard. - Push oneself to the limit /pʊʃ wʌnˈsɛlf tu ðə ˈlɪmɪt/ (v.): To work as hard as possible.
Example: He pushed himself to the limit to finish the marathon. - Run oneself ragged /rʌn wʌnˈsɛlf ˈræɡɪd/ (v.): To tire someone out completely.
Example: She ran herself ragged trying to care for her family and work full-time. - Work one’s fingers to the bone /wɜrk wʌnz ˈfɪŋɡərz tə ðə boʊn/ (v.): To toil long and hard.
Example: They worked their fingers to the bone to renovate the house. - Spread oneself too thin /sprɛd wʌnˈsɛlf tu θɪn/ (v.): To attempt too many tasks simultaneously.
Example: By volunteering for multiple committees, he spread himself too thin.
Conclusion
Understanding idiomatic expressions like “burn the candle at both ends” can significantly elevate your performance in the IELTS exam by demonstrating a higher level of English proficiency. This idiom, along with its synonyms and related expressions, is instrumental in articulating concepts of hard work and exhaustion, which are common topics in the exam. Practice using these idioms in your speaking and writing to enhance your fluency and coherence, ultimately boosting your IELTS scores.
