You’ve just finished a monumental task, collapsed into a chair, and then… oh look, another monumental task. Welcome to the world where there’s “No rest for the weary” (or, if you’re British, possibly the wicked). An idiom that dates back to the 1900s, and potentially inspired by biblical strictness found in Isaiah 48:22 and 57:21.
Synonyms
- Burning the candle at both ends: Similar meaning indicating exhaustive busyness.
- Perpetual motion machine: An amusing twist implying that one never stops.
- In the grind: Stuck in continuous effort without a break.
Antonyms
- Taking a breather: Taking a short break to rest.
- Chilling out: Relaxing without any stress or hurry.
- At ease: Being comfortable and at leisure.
Related Proverbs & Expressions
- “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”: Overworking without time off leads to being dull and uninspired.
- “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop”: An alternative view encouraging continuous activity to avoid trouble.
- “The early bird catches the worm”: Often used irritatingly by morning people to justify their exhausting habits.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “I’m not a fashion icon meant for sparkling conversations; I’m here to remind you there’s no rest for the weary.” - Look Busy, 85 AD
- “Rest is for mortals. Tea and undying vigour are for warriors.” - Every British Person ever.
Suggested Literature & Entertainment
- Books:
- The Overachievers, by Alexandra Robbins: A deep dive into the lives of students who encompass ’no rest for the weary.'
- Moby Dick, by Herman Melville: Think Captain Ahab didn’t personify no rest for the wicked?
- Movies:
- The Terminator Series: Where machines know no rest and neither does Arnie.
- Groundhog Day by Harold Ramis: Relive laborious days over and over. Fun, right?
- Quotes from Songs:
- “Sweet dreams are made of this…” might just be imaginary for the perpetually busy.
Quiz Time!
Ready to test your idiom smarts?
### Which idiom expresses continuous effort without rest?
- [x] Burning the candle at both ends
- [ ] Sitting pretty
- [ ] Having a ball
- [ ] Flying by the seat of your pants
> **Explanation:** "Burning the candle at both ends" is another way to describe exerting oneself to the extreme.
### Complete the phrase: "No rest for the _______."
- [ ] Heroes
- [ ] Rich
- [x] Wicked
- [ ] Ordinary
> **Explanation:** The correct completion of the phrase is "No rest for the wicked," often used humorously to imply constant busyness.
### True or False: "No rest for the weary" is commonly used in British English.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Brits are more likely to use "No rest for the wicked."
