present participle of burn the candle at both ends

(idiomatic) To work hard night and day. / To waste something in two directions at once.

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of burn the candle at both ends

(figuratively) to be part of two opposite sides.

(now uncommon) Synonym of make ends meet

(obsolete) To ready oneself for action or bravery; to gird up one's loins.

Alternative form of burn the candle at both ends

(idiomatic) To manipulate opponents or competitors in a manner which benefits the manipulator.

Alternative form of play both sides against the middle

(idiomatic) To profit from two things at the same time, especially when those things seem contradictory or incompatible.