burn the midnight oil
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
The etymology of this phrase is often erroneously attributed to poetry or writing. However, the phrase is actually said to have originated for Church use. In the Roman Catholic Church in particular, oil is used for anointing the sick, anointing those preparing to become Christians, and to consecrate those Ordained to the Priesthood or at Baptism. Each year, the Bishop of a Diocese blesses or consecrates these oils for use for the coming liturgical year on Holy Thursday. Thus, on Wednesday, the night before, any remaining oils from the previous year are burnt at Midnight, in anticipation for the new oils at the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday morning.
[edit] Verb
to burn the midnight oil (third-person singular simple present burn the midnight oils, present participle burn the midnight oiling, simple past and past participle burn the midnight oiled)
- (idiomatic) To work studiously, especially late into the night.
- He was burning the midnight oil all night to finish his paper.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
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