Question Bank MCQ • 1 Mark General Aptitude Verbal Aptitude

QB_PH_GA_005: Verbal Aptitude

Question Statement

What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression 'to burn the candle at both ends'?
(A) To exhaust oneself by working excessively hard early in the morning and late at night
(B) To waste money on unnecessary luxuries
(C) To create an irreconcilable conflict between two parties
(D) To destroy valuable evidence deliberately
Correct Answer
A
Verified Key

Step-by-Step KaTeX Derivation & Detailed Explanation

### Step-by-Step Derivation & Verification: 1. **Idiom Etymology**: Derived from the French proverb *brusler la chandelle par les deux bouts* (17th century), referring to wasting light by burning both ends, later evolving in English to signify working from before dawn to late at night. 2. **Standard Meaning**: Leading a frantic life or over-exerting oneself by getting up early and going to bed late. 3. **Conclusion**: Option (A) is the correct definition.
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