Question:
Burn the midnight oil means: ____.
Burn the midnight oil means: ____.
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A similar idiom is "pulling an all-nighter," though "burning the midnight oil" usually implies a more studious or diligent effort rather than just staying awake.
Updated On: May 30, 2026
- Waste time
- Work late at night
- Sleep early
- Burn lamps
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is an idiom derived from historical practices before the invention of electricity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Before electric light bulbs were common, people used oil lamps to see in the dark.
• "Oil" refers to the fuel (like kerosene or whale oil) used in these lamps.
• If someone was still "burning oil" at "midnight," it meant they were staying awake much longer than usual to finish a task.
• Today, the phrase is used figuratively to describe someone studying hard for an exam or working intensely on a project well into the late hours of the night.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The idiom "Burn the midnight oil" means to work late at night.
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