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Ends

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To burn the candle at both ends. To be like a man on double business bound, who both neglects. Of course, no candle could burn at both ends, unless held horizontally, as the lower end would be extinguished by the melted wax or tallow.

To make two or both ends meet. To make one’s income cover expenses; to keep out of debt. The allusion is to a belt somewhat too tight. The French say joindre les deux bouts.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Enchanted Castles
Enchanter
Encomium
Encore (French)
Encratites
Encroach
End
End-irons
End Paper
End of the World (The)
Ends
Endemic
Endorse
Endymion
Enemy
Enfant Terrible (An) [lit., a terrible child]
Enfield Rifle
Enfilade (French)
England
England Expects that Every Man will do his Duty
England’s Darling