burn the midnight oil
Short definition: The phrase burn the midnight oil means to work late into the night, usually studying or finishing tasks, showing dedication and effort by sacrificing sleep in order to meet deadlines or achieve important goals.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase burn the midnight oil? This idiom is very common in everyday English, especially when talking about studying, working late, or meeting deadlines. To burn the midnight oil means staying up very late to work or study. You will hear it in conversations about exams, projects, and busy schedules. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with long definitions and realistic examples.
Forms: burn the midnight oil (fixed idiom)
Related: study late v., overwork v., deadline n.
Syllable: burn the mid-night oil
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(Idiom) To stay awake very late at night in order to work or study.
To burn the midnight oil means continuing to work or study long after most people have gone to bed. It often happens when someone has a deadline, an exam, or an important task to finish. The phrase suggests effort, tiredness, and dedication. It is commonly used when talking about hard work and sacrifice.
She burned the midnight oil for a week to prepare for the final exam.He had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project on time.They were burning the midnight oil before the product launch.Synonyms: stay up late, work late into the night, study late, pull an all-nighter, work overtime, stay awake late, keep working late, put in long hours, grind late, stay up studying, work through the night, push through exhaustion
Antonyms: go to bed early, rest properly, stop working early, sleep on time, take a break, relax in the evening, get enough sleep, clock off early, rest up, avoid late nights, sleep well, unwind early -
(Idiom) To make an extra effort by sacrificing sleep to achieve an important goal.
Burn the midnight oil can also emphasize commitment rather than just time. In this sense, it highlights determination and willingness to sacrifice comfort. People use it to show how serious they are about success. It often carries a tone of pride or exhaustion.
Entrepreneurs often burn the midnight oil when building a new business.She knew she had to burn the midnight oil if she wanted to reach her goal.He’s been burning the midnight oil to prove himself at work.Synonyms: make sacrifices, work extremely hard, push yourself, go the extra mile, give up sleep, put in extra effort, commit fully, overwork, invest long hours, strain yourself, work tirelessly, sacrifice rest
Antonyms: take it easy, rest fully, avoid overworking, prioritize sleep, pace yourself, conserve energy, slow down, relax more, protect your health, balance work and rest, stop pushing, rest properly