Question:
Choose the sentence that correctly uses the idiom "Burn the midnight oil".
Choose the sentence that correctly uses the idiom "Burn the midnight oil".
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To successfully solve sentence-based idiom questions, look for contexts involving hard work, intense studying, exam preparation, or completing projects late at night.
Avoid options that refer to actual burning, oil, fuel, stoves, heating, or lighting.
Avoid options that refer to actual burning, oil, fuel, stoves, heating, or lighting.
Updated On: May 27, 2026
- The workers burned the midnight oil to stay warm.
- She burned the midnight oil to complete the research paper before submission.
- He burned the midnight oil while cooking dinner.
- They burned the midnight oil during the power cut.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires us to identify the sentence that correctly applies the figurative meaning of the idiom "Burn the midnight oil".
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Meaning of the Idiom: "Burn the midnight oil" historically refers to burning an oil lamp late into the night to read or work. Today, it figuratively means to stay up very late working, studying, or intellectualizing.
- Analysis of Option (B): "She burned the midnight oil to complete the research paper before submission." This sentence correctly uses the idiom. It implies that she stayed up late into the night studying/working to complete her academic paper. This aligns perfectly with the figurative meaning of the idiom.
- Analysis of Option (A): "The workers burned the midnight oil to stay warm." This sentence tries to interpret the idiom literally as burning some substance (oil) to produce heat/warmth. This is incorrect.
- Analysis of Option (C): "He burned the midnight oil while cooking dinner." This is a literal misinterpretation involving stove cooking or oil combustion in the kitchen, which does not represent late-night focused study or work.
- Analysis of Option (D): "They burned the midnight oil during the power cut." This option literally interprets burning oil lamps as a source of backup illumination during a blackout. This is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct and idiomatic usage is Option (B).
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