Often , our expressions come from everyday objects . Today we talk about a candle . Sometimes we use candles to create a feeling of calm or some other sort of feeling . We call that an ambiance . For example , dinner by candlelight is a lot more romantic than dinner under fluorescent lights . Often candles smell nice , too . We can buy our favorite scents , or kinds of smells . This makes them even more calming . But candles are useful as well . If the electricity goes out , candles can light a dark night . In the days before electricity , candles were a main source of light for work . And that brings us to today's expression — "to burn the candle at both ends ." This expression is used several ways . Usually , it means that we are busy with work but not always . Let's say I spent all of last year working on two very important goals at the same time . Friends could say that I burned my candle at both ends for a whole year . Finally , I got burned out , which means I was really tired . We are busy from early morning until late at night . Here is another example . Ever since starting a new job and getting her master's degree , my friend Annette has been burning the candle at both ends . She has been doing a lot . The expression also appears in creative forms of writing . My candle burns at both ends ; it will not last the night ; but ah , my foes , and oh , my friends -- it gives a lovely light ! Now , let's hear how these two friends use the expression in this short exchange . Where have you been ? I haven't talked to you weeks ! Sorry about that . I got a book deal last month . So , I've been kind of busy with that . But I thought you were still in school ? That's why I've been burning the candle at both ends for the past…what month is it ? You have been busy . Sometimes we even burn the candle at both the ends to get the job done .