the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
The more intensely someone or something works or acts, the more quickly that person will burn out or that thing will end.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long” mean?
The more intensely someone or something works or acts, the more quickly that person will burn out or that thing will end.
Is “the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.