The expression "quemarse las cejas" literally translates to "burning one's eyebrows." It is commonly used to refer to the act of studying or working very hard, especially late into the night, to the point of exhaustion. This idiom is often used in academic or professional contexts and indicates a significant level of effort or labor, particularly when one is pushing themselves to meet a deadline. Its frequency of use is notable in both oral and written contexts, especially among students and professionals.
Ella se está quemando las cejas para terminar su tesis a tiempo.
She is burning the midnight oil to finish her thesis on time.
Muchos estudiantes se queman las cejas durante los exámenes finales.
Many students burn the midnight oil during final exams.
No vale la pena quemarse las cejas por un trabajo que no te gusta.
It's not worth burning the midnight oil for a job you don't like.
The expression "quemarse las cejas" features prominently in several related idiomatic expressions that convey the idea of hard work and dedication. Here are some examples:
"Quemarse las cejas para lograr un sueño"
To burn the midnight oil to achieve a dream.
Es importante quemarse las cejas para lograr un sueño, pero también debes descansar.
It's important to burn the midnight oil to achieve a dream, but you should also rest.
"No me gusta quemarme las cejas sin necesidad"
I don’t like to burn the midnight oil unnecessarily.
Prefiero organizarme mejor que quemarme las cejas sin necesidad.
I prefer to organize myself better rather than burning the midnight oil unnecessarily.
"A veces, hay que quemarse las cejas para obtener resultados"
Sometimes you have to burn the midnight oil to get results.
A veces hay que quemarse las cejas para obtener resultados en el trabajo.
Sometimes you have to burn the midnight oil to get results at work.
"Quemarse las cejas es parte del proceso de aprendizaje"
Burning the midnight oil is part of the learning process.
Para muchos estudiantes, quemarse las cejas es parte del proceso de aprendizaje.
For many students, burning the midnight oil is part of the learning process.
The idiom "quemarse las cejas" likely has its origins in the literal image of someone working so hard that they neglect basic self-care, leading to their eyebrows getting singed, metaphorically speaking. The phrase captures the essence of extreme effort, often associated with late-night study sessions.
This comprehensive overview highlights the expression "quemarse las cejas," its meaning, usage, and context in the Spanish language, underscoring the cultural significance of hard work and dedication.