Burn the midnight oil
Synonyms
Definition
The idiom “burn the midnight oil,” means someone is working or studying very late into the night. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is putting in extra effort or working hard, especially during nighttime hours when most people are asleep. The phrase originates from the time when oil lamps or candles were used for lighting before the invention of electricity. To keep working or studying late into the night, people would need to burn the oil in their lamps or candles, hence the expression "burn the midnight oil.” It implies dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in extra time and effort to achieve a goal.
Example sentences
I have an important exam tomorrow, so I’ll be burning the midnight oil tonight to study.
The team is working hard to meet the deadline and they’ve been burning the midnight oil for weeks.
She’s a dedicated writer and you’ll often find her burning the midnight oil to finish her novels.
I burned the midnight oil to complete the project on time and it was worth the effort.
She’s been burning the midnight oil to perfect her performance for the upcoming concert.