Question:
Idiom: "Burn the midnight oil”
Idiom: "Burn the midnight oil”
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To understand idioms, visualize their literal meaning (e.g., burning oil in a lamp at night) and connect it to the figurative sense (working late). Eliminate options that don’t match the context or historical imagery of the phrase.
Updated On: Mar 26, 2026
- Waste time
- Work late into the night
- Read useless books
- Wake up early
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The idiom "Burn the midnight oil" is explained as follows:
Meaning: It refers to working late into the night.
In earlier times, people used oil lamps for light, and those who stayed up late to work or study would be literally burning the midnight oil. This expression signifies dedication and hard work, emphasizing the effort of staying up late to accomplish a task.
In earlier times, people used oil lamps for light, and those who stayed up late to work or study would be literally burning the midnight oil. This expression signifies dedication and hard work, emphasizing the effort of staying up late to accomplish a task.
| Option | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Waste time | This does not match our idiom, as "Burn the midnight oil" suggests productivity rather than wasting time. |
| Work late into the night | This is the correct choice, accurately aligning with the idiom's meaning. |
| Read useless books | This option is incorrect. The idiom suggests being productive, rather than engaging in pointless activities. |
| Wake up early | This choice is unrelated. The idiom involves staying up late rather than starting the day early. |
Conclusion: The correct interpretation of the idiom "Burn the midnight oil" is "Work late into the night."
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