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to work late into the night, often studying or completing tasks
The students burned the midnight oil before their final exams.
The students stayed up very late studying for their final exams.
He burned the midnight oil to meet the client's urgent request.
He worked late into the night to fulfill the client's urgent demand.
Commonly used to describe working hard on intellectual or creative tasks, not physical labor.
Use 'burn the midnight oil' when someone works very late to complete an important task, especially intellectual work like studying, writing, or problem-solving. Avoid using it for physical labor or routine overtime.
This is an idiom. Do not interpret it literally—it does not involve actual fire or oil, but rather describes working late into the night.
This idiom is typically used to describe voluntary late-night work for important tasks, not forced overtime or sleep deprivation.
The phrase dates back to the 17th century when oil lamps were commonly used for late-night work. 'Burning the midnight oil' literally referred to using an oil lamp late into the night, symbolizing extended effort or study.
This idiom is often used to praise someone's dedication or to explain why they are tired. It implies working hard on tasks that require mental effort rather than physical labor.