THE CAT'S PAJAMAS IV

Tad Tuleja

A collection of the (mostly) true origins of familiar phrases

BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS

This expression means to work or play to excess, often going without enough sleep. The original meaning goes back to the ancient ritual of watching the dead (wake) through the night, both to provide comfort to the family and guard the body from nocturnal demons. Since demons feared firelight, candles were burned during this vigil - most commonly at the head and foot of the coffin. The ends originally associated with keeping late hours were the two ends of the bier.