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Slang dictionary

burning the midnight oil

(phrase)Neutral

Working or studying very late into the night.

In a sentence

  • “She's been burning the midnight oil all week to finish the thesis.”
  • “Don't burn the midnight oil — get some sleep.”

Also known as

pulling an all-nighter

Where it’s used

everyday

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Related slang

bite the bullet

To force yourself through something unpleasant because you have to — to do the hard thing now and get it over with.

the ball is in your court

It's your turn to make a decision or take action — the responsibility has been passed to you.

hit the nail on the head

To say or do exactly the right thing — to pinpoint the truth or solution precisely.

burning the midnight oil — American slang definition + audio