English Explanatory Dictionary

burn the midnight oil

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To work studiously, especially late into the night.

Pronunciation

en-au-burn the midnight oil.ogg

Word forms

burn the midnight oil burns the midnight oil burning the midnight oil burned the midnight oil burnt the midnight oil

Etymology

Originally referring to the act of burning lamp oil in oil lamps for light at night. The collocation midnight oil in its literal sense is attested from mid 17th c.

Synonyms

elucubrate pull an all-nighter

Related words

burn the candle at both ends candlewasting
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