Candles have been part of human life for centuries — glowing in celebrations, prayers, and study sessions before electricity arrived. But beyond lighting rooms, they’ve also lit up our language. Whether you’re “burning the candle at both ends” during exam week or deciding that something “isn’t worth the candle,” these expressions flicker with meaning.
Burn the candle at both ends
Meaning: To overwork or exhaust yourself by doing too much.
Example: She’s burning the candle at both ends preparing for exams and the school play.
Not worth the candle
Meaning: Something not worth the effort or trouble.
Example: Arguing over that rumour isn’t worth the candle.
Burn out
Meaning: To become completely exhausted.
Example: After days of late-night study, I felt burned out.
Light a candle for someone
Meaning: To wish someone well or remember them kindly.
Example: We lit a candle for our seniors before their board exams.
Better to light a candle than curse the darkness
Meaning: It’s better to act than complain.
Example: Instead of grumbling about plastic use, we began a “bring your own bottle” drive — better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
Candle in the wind
Meaning: Something fragile or short-lived.
Example: His confidence was like a candle in the wind — bright but brief.
The game isn’t worth the candle
Meaning: The effort isn’t worth the reward.
Example: Redoing the entire model for one extra point isn’t worth the candle.
Can’t hold a candle to
Meaning: To be far inferior to someone or something.
Example: My drawing can’t hold a candle to Neha’s art skills.
Burn one’s fingers
Meaning: To suffer after taking a risk.
Example: He burned his fingers by copying homework and getting caught.
Bright as a candle
Meaning: Intelligent or quick-witted.
Example: The new student is as bright as a candle — she learns everything fast.
To blow hot and cold
Meaning: To keep changing opinions or moods.
Example: He blows hot and cold about joining the drama club — one day yes, one day no!
Burn bright while it lasts
Meaning: To make the most of something short-lived.
Example: The inter-house fest may last only a day, but let’s burn bright while it lasts!
A candlelight effort
Meaning: Work done quietly or late into the night.
Example: Our science fair display was the result of many candlelight efforts.
Candle of hope
Meaning: A symbol of optimism.
Example: Even after losing the first round, the team kept a candle of hope alive.
Snuff out someone’s light
Meaning: To end someone’s success or enthusiasm.
Example: The harsh criticism snuffed out his creative spark for a while.