Meaning trap
burn out
become exhausted from overwork
To become so tired, stressed or fed up from working too hard for too long that you lose your energy and enthusiasm.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To become so tired, stressed or fed up from working too hard for too long that you lose your energy and enthusiasm.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After years of campaigning for environmental reform, many activists burn out on the cause and struggle to stay involved.
Some argue that without adequate support, teachers may burn out on their profession, leading to a decline in educational quality.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He burned out from the music.
Say: He burned out on music. / He lost his passion for music.
'Burn out ON' something you've lost enthusiasm for.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Burn out on something' captures losing the fire for it; the paraphrase is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
burn out (on)
- on it
- creatively
- lose interest
- after years