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The Mystery Unveiled
"Burn the Midnight Oil" means to work late into the night or early morning hours; to stay up very late working on a project or task.
Historical Roots!
"Burn the midnight oil" idiom can be traced back to a time when people used oil lamps or candles for lighting.
It became a metaphorical way in the 17th century to describe someone working late sacrificing sleep to complete a task or meet a deadline.
Example Sentence
1. After everyone else had gone to bed, Sarah had to burn the midnight oil to finish her research paper for school.
In IELTS Speaking
In IELTS speaking, you can effectively use the idiom "burn the midnight oil" when expressing agreement or acknowledgement of a well-articulated point.
How Will You Be Asked?
Examiner: “Do you have any hobbies or interests that you pursue in your free time?”
Candidate: “Absolutely, in my free time, I often find myself burning the midnight oil and working on a novel I've been writing. It's fulfilling, even if it means sacrificing some sleep.”
Conclusion and Wisdom
Whenever you feel like burning the midnight oil, make sure you go to bed when your sleep hits. Never skip it! 🙂
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