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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 18 years ago
Vocabulary
Idea behind ' burning the candle at both ends'
burning the candle at both ends
What is the idea behind this idiom? I understand what it means but I am interested in the story behind it.
Thank you
PBF
What is the idea behind this idiom? I understand what it means but I am interested in the story behind it.
Thank you
PBF
Top answer
It just burns twice as fast, so you're wasting it (= yourself), I've always supposed. html ]HERE'S[/url] one on-line explanation.
- It just burns twice as fast, so you're wasting it (= yourself), I've always supposed.
- html ]HERE'S[/url] one on-line explanation.
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2 Answers
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It just burns twice as fast, so you're wasting it (= yourself), I've always supposed. [url=http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/burning-the-candle-at-both-ends.html]HERE'S[/url] one on-line explanation.
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It just burns twice as fast, so you're wasting it (= yourself), I've always supposed. [url=http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/burning-the-candle-at-both-ends.html]HERE'S[/url] one on-line explanation.
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Thanks for the reply and the link, Mister Micawber.
Apparently the idea is that since candles were considered useful and precious, burning a candle at both ends is considered to be a rash waste. We can only really burn a candle at both ends by placing it horizontally and that would cause the wax to drip and burn out the flame quickly. Exactly what you thought.
Apparently the idea is that since candles were considered useful and precious, burning a candle at both ends is considered to be a rash waste. We can only really burn a candle at both ends by placing it horizontally and that would cause the wax to drip and burn out the flame quickly. Exactly what you thought.
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