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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To Get Worked Up

Idiom: “to get worked up”

Meaning: To become worried or angry about something; to build up feelings of anticipation or anxiety about a situation, causing stress or strong emotions.

Example #1:

Superman: The day is so short and I can’t rescue everyone.

Louis: Don’t get so worked up about it.  You’re only one superhero.

Superman: I know, but everyone expects me to be super and to protect the world.

Louis:  That’s not a reason to become so upset.  It’s too much pressure for one person.

Example #2:  

                         

Leslie:  My favorite basketball team is losing the game.

Hanna: You’re getting worked up just talking about it.  Maybe you shouldn’t take sports so seriously.

Leslie:  I grew up watching the team with my dad.   We never miss a game.  We were so excited that they made it to the championship match this year. 

Hanna:  I understand, but it seems you’re really angry just thinking about the score.  Remember, it’s just a game.

Leslie: You’re right.

Meaning: “To get worked up” means to become worried or upset about something. In example 1, Superman is so worked up about not being able to save anyone that he forgets he is just one superhero.  In example 2, Leslie is worked up about her team losing and forgets about enjoying sports.

For more information, please visit: www.languagesystems.edu