May 2011

ENGLISH IDIOM OF THE MONTH:
„She burns the candle at both ends“

 

MEANING

Someone who does not sleep much because they get up very early each day and go to sleep very late.

TRANSLATION

Sie gönnt sich Tag und Nacht keine Ruhe; sie übernimmt sich
(wörtlich: „Sie zündet die Kerze an beiden Enden an (für den Tag und für die Nacht)“)

ORIGIN

This expression originates from the 18th century when they used candles instead of electricity. It was therefore a waste to burn a candle at both ends at the same time.