To Burn (Oneself) Out

Idiom: “to burn (oneself) out”

Meaning:  To become tired, exhausted and/or lose interest from doing something too much.

Example #1:

Charlie: I’m so tired.  I can’t think anymore.  Studying everyday is making me crazy.

Sarah: Sounds like you burned yourself out Charlie.  Do you ever take breaks or time off from school?

Charlie: No, not really.  I study everyday for about six hours.  I study two hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I never take a break.  This schedule feels like it will last forever.  I don’t know how much longer I can take this.

Sarah:  Wow! That’s too much.  You’re definitely burning yourself out.  You should consider some recreational activity during the day, to help you relax and focus on something else.  Otherwise, you will lose interest in studying.

Example #2:  

                         

Lauren:  I’m thinking about quitting the team.

Peter: Why?  I thought you loved soccer.

Lauren:  I burned myself out.  I practice three hours a day.  On Saturdays, I always play two games.  My only rest day is Sunday.  By the time I get home, I can’t study because I’m exhausted.  My performance in school is going down and my parents aren’t happy about that. 

Peter: Maybe, you should take a break or train less.

Meaning: “Burn (oneself) out” means to become tired, exhausted, or to lose interest from doing something too much. In example 1, Charlie is so tired from studying, that he can’t think anymore.  In example 2, Lauren is so tired from training that she is falling behind on her school work. 

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