
IdiomDaily Life
English
burned out
Meaning: Lacking enthusiasm due to overexposure or too much of the same thing; completely used up; worn out.
Example: “After ten years in the emergency room, the nurse felt completely burned out.”
Origin: A candle, fire or light bulb that has burned out has used up everything that fed it. The psychological sense of exhaustion from overwork was popularized by the psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s.
More English idioms
- by hook or by crook By one way or another; by any means possible.
- call someone's bluff To challenge someone to carry out a threat or prove the truth of a statement.
- call a spade a spade To speak plainly or call something by its right name, even if it is unpleasant.
- call the shots To be in control or to give orders.
- open a can of worms A situation that contains many unexpected and unwanted problems and consequences.
- carry a torch for someone To be in love with someone, usually someone who does not love in return.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Let them laugh that win. Victory vindicates your choices; your ultimate success silences critics and doubters.
- Laws were made for rogues. Honest people need no laws; restrictions exist only because dishonest people require exte…
- Least said is soonest mended. Silence prevents wounds that words inflict; restraint in speech preserves relationships b…
Keep exploring