Burn The Midnight Oil – One Point American Idiom Lesson

Dec 17, 2017
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Introduction

Welcome to NJCLT's comprehensive lesson on the American idiom "Burn The Midnight Oil." In this guide, we will delve deep into the meaning, origin, usage, and examples of this popular idiom. By the end of this lesson, you will have a strong understanding of how to use "Burn The Midnight Oil" effectively in your daily conversations and written communication.

Definition and Meaning

The phrase "Burn The Midnight Oil" is an idiomatic expression that means to work late into the night, often referring to intense and prolonged periods of studying, working, or focusing on a particular task or project. It is commonly used to describe someone who is dedicated, hardworking, and willing to put in extra effort to achieve their goals.

Origin and History

The origin of the idiom "Burn The Midnight Oil" can be traced back to the invention of the oil lamp, which played a vital role in providing artificial light during the night before the advent of electric lighting. In the era when oil lamps were commonly used, individuals who continued working late at night had to literally burn oil to keep their lamps lit, allowing them to work in the darkness without natural daylight.

Over time, the act of working late at night while burning oil became synonymous with intense dedication and hard work. The phrase "Burn The Midnight Oil" gained popularity and became a metaphorical representation of the perseverance and commitment required to achieve success.

Usage and Examples

The idiom "Burn The Midnight Oil" is often used in both formal and informal contexts to convey the idea of putting in extra effort or going the extra mile to accomplish a task or achieve a desired outcome. Here are some examples of how the idiom can be used:

  • I have an important exam tomorrow, so I'll be burning the midnight oil tonight to make sure I'm fully prepared.
  • Our team burned the midnight oil to meet the project deadline, and our hard work paid off with a successful product launch.
  • She burnt the midnight oil for weeks, refining her manuscript until it was ready to be published.

Related Idioms and Expressions

The idiom "Burn The Midnight Oil" is part of a broader range of idiomatic expressions that share similar meanings or refer to working hard. Some related idioms and expressions include:

  • Burn the candle at both ends: To overexert oneself by doing too much or staying up excessively late. Similar to "Burn The Midnight Oil," it emphasizes the idea of working hard.
  • Blood, sweat, and tears: An expression used to describe the intense effort, hard work, and dedication put into achieving a goal.
  • Grindstone: Metaphorically refers to hard work and determination. The idiom "Keep your nose to the grindstone" means to stay focused and diligent.

Conclusion

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the American idiom "Burn The Midnight Oil," you can confidently incorporate this expression into your English language skills. Remember, dedication, hard work, and perseverance are key to achieving success in any endeavor. So, keep burning the midnight oil and never stop striving for your goals!

If you found this lesson helpful, be sure to explore our website for more educational resources and English language lessons. NJCLT is committed to providing high-quality content to help you improve your language skills and achieve fluency in English.

Rosa Mosele
Great lesson! ? Now I know how to use the idiom!
Nov 8, 2023
Martin Cepeda
I'm genuinely impressed by the quality of this lesson. It's a fantastic tool for anyone looking to master the usage of idioms.
Sep 13, 2023
Lizeth Morales
The structure and delivery of information in this lesson are very effective. It has significantly improved my grasp of idiomatic expressions.
Aug 30, 2023
Adrian Goldner
I never realized the significance of idioms in language until going through this lesson. It's eye-opening.
Aug 27, 2023
Heather Smith
It's admirable how this lesson captures the essence of the idiom. I'm excited to incorporate it into my language repertoire.
Aug 15, 2023
Jonathan Thomsic
The lucid explanation in this lesson highlights the expertise of NJCLT in teaching idioms. It's a commendable effort.
Jul 10, 2023
Erik Zigman
This lesson has been a source of enlightenment for me. It's a great step towards mastering idiomatic expressions.
Jun 10, 2023
Charles Neese
I'm thoroughly impressed by the depth of insight provided in this lesson. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their language proficiency.
Jun 6, 2023
Shridhar Bylahalli
The incorporation of relatable examples has made this lesson much more engaging and practical. It's a fantastic approach to teaching idioms.
Apr 30, 2023
Dave Delarosa
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Apr 22, 2023
Nicole Ramos
The practical relevance of the examples shared in this lesson is commendable. They enhance the understanding of the idiom's usage.
Apr 11, 2023
Ina Sotomayor
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Mar 24, 2023
Stephanie Griffins
The invaluable insights gained from this lesson have enriched my understanding of idiomatic expressions. It's a wonderful learning experience.
Nov 2, 2022
Karin Fialka
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Oct 28, 2022
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Oct 28, 2022
Bradley Walhood
Great job on this lesson! It's clear and concise, making it easy to grasp the concept of 'Burn The Midnight Oil'.
Oct 21, 2022
Place Holder
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Sep 21, 2022
Andrew Call
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Sep 18, 2022
Scott Barlow
Thank you for putting together such an informative lesson. I've always been curious about the origin and usage of idioms.
Aug 24, 2022
David Blanchett
The examples provided were helpful in illustrating the real-world application of the idiom. I look forward to using it in conversations.
Aug 5, 2022
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Aug 3, 2022
Todd Stein
The language used in this lesson strikes a perfect balance between being informative and engaging. Kudos to the creators!
Jul 20, 2022
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Jul 1, 2022
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Jun 13, 2022
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Jun 1, 2022
Sam Stein
Appreciate the effort put into making the study of idioms engaging. I now feel more confident using this idiom correctly.
May 29, 2022
Unknown
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May 23, 2022
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May 22, 2022
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May 20, 2022
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May 16, 2022
Peter Nourse
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Apr 23, 2022
Joe Cota
Understanding idiomatic expressions can be challenging, but this lesson makes 'Burn The Midnight Oil' much more accessible.
Feb 21, 2022
Ken Wagner
The comprehensive approach taken in this lesson made learning about idioms engaging and enjoyable. Well done!
Feb 5, 2022
Larry Kelly
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Dec 7, 2021
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Nov 21, 2021
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Nov 10, 2021
Wayne Connell
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Nov 2, 2021
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Oct 16, 2021
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Sep 3, 2021
Sam Dabaja
This lesson is a testament to the richness and diversity of language. It's an excellent exploration of idiomatic expressions.
Aug 6, 2021
Stephanie H
This lesson has provided a holistic understanding of 'Burn The Midnight Oil', making it easier for me to integrate it into my conversations.
Aug 6, 2021
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Aug 4, 2021
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Jul 9, 2021
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Jun 29, 2021
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Jun 15, 2021
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Jun 14, 2021
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Apr 9, 2021
Hobby
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Mar 31, 2021
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Feb 25, 2021
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Feb 18, 2021
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Feb 17, 2021
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Jan 24, 2021
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The thoughtfulness put into this lesson is evident. I appreciate the attention to detail and clarity of explanations.
Nov 27, 2020
Colin Campbell
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Nov 24, 2020
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Oct 17, 2020
Dave Schueler
The examples provided bring the idiom to life and make it relatable. They are a valuable asset to this lesson.
Oct 2, 2020
Dee Holt
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Oct 1, 2020
Shell Haarrijn
The practical application of the idiom in everyday language is well explained. It's a key aspect of this insightful lesson.
Sep 19, 2020
Bob Eichler
This lesson was a lightbulb moment for me. Now I understand why 'Burn The Midnight Oil' is used the way it is.
Sep 13, 2020
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Sep 4, 2020
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Jul 24, 2020
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Jul 12, 2020
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Jun 23, 2020
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Mar 26, 2020
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Mar 19, 2020
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Feb 29, 2020
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Feb 14, 2020
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Jan 8, 2020
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Jan 1, 2020
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Aug 10, 2019
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Jul 14, 2019
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Apr 25, 2019
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Apr 10, 2019
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Mar 2, 2019
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Feb 6, 2019
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Feb 4, 2019
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Jan 16, 2019
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Dec 12, 2018
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Jul 17, 2018
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Jun 25, 2018
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Mar 7, 2018
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Feb 24, 2018
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Jan 8, 2018
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Dec 30, 2017
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