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Difficulty: MediumIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

After taking on two full-time jobs while preparing for her final examinations, Amara began to burn the candle at both ends. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom?

  1. exhaust her energy and health by overworking without adequate restAnswer
  2. B
    use two lighting devices simultaneously to study throughout the night
  3. C
    carefully conserve her time and personal energy for important tasks
  4. D
    achieve outstanding academic results with minimal physical effort

Answer

exhaust her energy and health by overworking without adequate rest
The idiomatic expression 'burn the candle at both ends' means to overwork oneself by rising early and staying up late, consuming physical energy rapidly. In the provided context, Amara's combination of two full-time jobs and intensive studying illustrates this extreme physical strain.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiomatic expression in the sentence context.
The idiomatic expression is 'burn the candle at both ends'.
Isolating the idiom allows for evaluating its figurative sense rather than taking its literal words at face value.
2
Analyze the sentence context clues.
Amara took on two full-time jobs while studying for exams, indicating an unsustainable schedule and severe lack of rest.
Context clues point directly toward physical overexertion and severe tiredness.
3
Select the option that matches the figurative meaning of the idiom.
Exhausting one's energy by working excessively hard without rest is the correct interpretation.
'Burn the candle at both ends' standardly signifies consuming energy from both early morning and late night, leading to exhaustion.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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