In English idiom, the expression "burning the candle at both ends" most nearly means which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of a common English idiom: "burning the candle at both ends". Idioms are fixed expressions whose overall meaning cannot always be guessed from the literal meanings of the individual words. Knowing them is important for understanding newspapers, literature, and conversations, especially in competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The idiom is "burning the candle at both ends".
- We need to pick the option that best conveys its figurative meaning.
- Options describe overwork, electricity use, racing, careful saving, or none of these.

Concept / Approach:
The image behind the idiom is of a candle that is lit at both ends. It will give a lot of light for a short time but will also burn out much faster. Figuratively, this refers to a person who works or parties very late at night and then also starts very early in the morning, not allowing enough rest. Over time, such a lifestyle leads to exhaustion. So the idiom means overworking or overstraining oneself, usually due to long hours and lack of sleep.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the idea of both ends, which suggests using up energy from two sides at once.
Step 2: Recall that candles represent time or life in many cultures, so burning them faster symbolises heavy use of time and energy.
Step 3: Compare the options and identify the one that talks about overwork and exhaustion through long hours.
Step 4: Choose "to overwork and exhaust oneself by staying up late and getting up early" as the correct meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a typical usage: "He has been burning the candle at both ends preparing for the exam and working a full time job." This clearly describes someone who is putting in too many hours and not resting enough. It has nothing to do with electricity, overtaking in races, or saving money. Therefore, the explanation involving overwork and exhaustion fits perfectly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- to consume a lot of electricity: this is a modern concern but has no connection with the traditional candle metaphor.

- to overtake someone in a race: involves speed, but the idiom does not refer to competition or winning.
- to save money carefully: is almost opposite in spirit, since burning the candle at both ends suggests careless use of personal energy, not careful saving.
- none of the above: incorrect because one option does match the idiom well.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners misinterpret the phrase and think it refers to wealth or resources in general. However, in actual usage it nearly always refers to a person's lifestyle and work schedule. Remember the image of a candle burning faster because it is lit at both ends, and connect that image with lack of sleep and continuous activity.

Final Answer:
"Burning the candle at both ends" means to overwork and exhaust oneself by staying up late and getting up early.