It takes a long time to destroy something complicated or impressive.

simple past tense and past participle of burn the candle at both ends

simple past tense and past participle of fiddle while Rome burns

Alternative form of once bitten, twice shy

Alternative form of once bitten, twice shy

simple past tense and past participle of burn that bridge when one comes to it

(idiomatic) To work studiously, especially late into the night.

(idiomatic) to harm oneself; to suffer consequences of one's actions.

A mild burn that causes redness of the skin but no blistering.

A severe burn that destroys skin and underlying tissue and exposes nerve endings.