Ben Carter
The expression is the game worth the candle? is used when one is uncertain if an activity or endeavour is worth the effort or expense. The phrase originates from the French le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle (the game is not worth the candle), which was first used by essayist Michel de Montaigne in 1580. At the time, lighting a room after sunset was challenging and expensive, and the phrase alluded to gambling by candlelight, suggesting that if the winnings did not cover the cost of the candles, the game was not worth playing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The phrase was initially a French expression, "Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle", which translates to "the game is not worth the candle". |
| Originator | The phrase is attributed to the French essayist Michel de Montaigne, dating back to 1580. However, there is no definitive proof that Montaigne originated the phrase. |
| Meaning | Refers to something that isn't worth the time, money, or effort spent on it. |
| Usage | Used when uncertain if something is worth making a great effort for. |
| Examples | "The office he is running for is so unimportant that the game's not worth the candle." "The local council considered constructing a new power grid but decided it wasn't worth the candle due to high costs and marginal efficiency gains." |
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What You'll Learn
- The expression is a translation of a term used by French essayist Michel de Montaigne in 1580
- It alludes to gambling by candlelight, which involved the expense of illumination
- The saying predates electricity, when lighting a room was more difficult and candles were expensive
- It is used to refer to something that isn't worth the cost of the light or the effort and expense involved
- The phrase is often used in the negative, i.e., not worth the candle
The expression is a translation of a term used by French essayist Michel de Montaigne in 1580
The expression "is the game worth the candle?" is believed to have originated from a French phrase, "le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle" ("the game is not worth the candle"), which dates back to the 16th century. The French essayist Michel de Montaigne is credited with coining this phrase in his work "Les Essais de Montaigne", published in 1580.
The phrase alludes to the expense of candlelight illumination in the days before electricity. Candles were costly, and the expression was originally used in the context of gambling. If the potential winnings from a card game did not outweigh the cost of the candles used to light the proceedings, then "the game was not worth the candle." Over time, the expression took on a broader meaning and was applied to any endeavour or activity where the returns did not justify the time, effort, or financial investment required.
Montaigne's original phrase was translated into English and appeared in John Ray's proverb collection in 1678 as "The game is not worth the candle." The expression became popular in English literature, featuring in works such as Temple's "Works" (c. 1690) and Doyle's "The Sign of Four" (1890). By the 19th century, the phrase had evolved to include references to "the play", further emphasising its association with gambling.
Today, the expression is used figuratively to convey that an endeavour or activity is not worth the effort or expense involved. It highlights the importance of weighing the potential benefits against the costs, whether they are financial, temporal, or related to personal energy and resources. In modern times, the phrase has taken on a new context, as candles are no longer a significant household expense. However, the expression remains relevant as it captures the essence of evaluating the worth of an activity in relation to its potential rewards.
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It alludes to gambling by candlelight, which involved the expense of illumination
The expression "is the game worth the candle?" has its origins in a literal game: candlelit gambling. In the days before electric lighting, candles were expensive, and their use was carefully considered. Those who played cards or dice late into the night incurred significant costs to illuminate their activities. The question "Is the game worth the candle?" emerged as a way to assess whether the potential rewards of the game justified the literal cost of playing it. This phrase has survived through the ages as a proverbial expression, inviting reflection on whether the potential benefits of an endeavour are worth the associated costs or risks.
The phrase specifically refers to the expense of illumination. Candles were a precious commodity, and their light could be crucial in determining the success or failure of an evening's entertainment. Gamblers would gather around a table, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames, their eyes fixed on the cards or dice. The candlelight created an atmosphere of drama and intrigue, but it came at a price. The wax or tallow from which candles were made was costly, and candles burned through them rapidly, requiring frequent replacements to maintain adequate lighting for the game.
The expression captures the tension between the allure of the game and the practical considerations of its costs. It acknowledges that the excitement, competition, and potential winnings of gambling can be enticing. However, it also recognizes that the financial burden of lighting the game space might outweigh the potential gains. Thus, the phrase serves as a reminder to weigh the potential benefits against the expenses and inconveniences involved.
Beyond the direct costs of candles, the expression also hints at the broader context of clandestine activities. Gambling by candlelight often carried an air of secrecy or illegality. It may have taken place in private homes or clandestine establishments, where the soft glow of candles contributed to an atmosphere of intrigue. The phrase "is the game worth the candle?" could also allude to the potential risks and consequences of engaging in such activities, suggesting a calculation of whether the rewards outweigh the possibility of getting caught or suffering other negative repercussions.
In modern usage, the expression has taken on a broader application. While it may have originated with literal candlelit gambling, it now serves as a metaphor for any endeavour or pursuit that requires careful consideration of costs and benefits. Whether in business ventures, personal relationships, or other endeavours, asking "Is the game worth the candle?" encourages a thoughtful approach that weighs the potential rewards against the investments and risks involved.
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The saying predates electricity, when lighting a room was more difficult and candles were expensive
The saying "is the game worth the candle?" is believed to have originated from a French phrase, "le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle" ("the game is not worth the candle"), which dates back to at least 1611 when it appeared in a dictionary. The expression is thought to have been popularized by the French essayist Michel de Montaigne in 1580, and it made its way into English literature by the late 17th century.
The phrase alludes to the expense of candlelight in the days before electricity. Candles were costly, and lighting them after sunset required effort and incurred financial costs. Thus, the expression was used to refer to activities that were not worth the cost of lighting them, such as low-stakes card games. If the potential winnings did not outweigh the cost of the candles, the game was "not worth the candle."
Over time, the expression took on a broader meaning. While it originally referred to the literal cost of candles, it soon came to symbolize any endeavour that required more time, money, or effort than the potential benefits warranted. This interpretation of the phrase persisted for centuries, even as the original context became obsolete with the advent of modern lighting.
In modern times, the expression may seem dated, as candles are no longer a primary source of lighting. However, some argue that the phrase is still relevant, especially in situations where candlelight is necessary, such as during power outages. Additionally, the process of lighting a candle and its finite burn time can serve as a metaphor for the effort and cost involved in any endeavour.
Today, the expression "is the game worth the candle?" can be used when one is uncertain if an activity or undertaking is worth the effort or expense. It encourages a cost-benefit analysis, weighing the potential rewards against the time, money, or energy expended.
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It is used to refer to something that isn't worth the cost of the light or the effort and expense involved
The idiom "is the game worth the candle?" refers to an activity or endeavour that may not be worth the cost, effort, or resources it demands. The expression originates from the medieval era, when candles were the primary source of illumination at night, and they were expensive. Thus, if a game or activity was not worth the cost of the candles, it wasn't worth playing or doing.
The phrase is often attributed to the French essayist Michel de Montaigne, who wrote "Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle" ("the game is not worth the candle") in 1580. It was later translated into English and appeared in John Ray's proverb collection in 1678. The expression has persisted through the centuries, even though the original context of expensive candles has been lost due to modern lighting technology.
In modern times, the expression is used metaphorically to convey that the outcome or returns from an activity do not justify the time, money, or effort invested in it. For example, if someone spends a year trying to get permission for a project but gives up due to the tedious process, they might say, "the game wasn't worth the candle." Similarly, if a local council considers constructing a new power grid but decides against it due to high costs and minimal efficiency gains, they might conclude that "the game isn't worth the candle."
The idiom highlights the importance of evaluating the costs and benefits of our endeavours, reminding us that sometimes, the effort and expense involved may outweigh the potential gains. It encourages us to carefully consider our actions and make informed decisions about where we invest our time and resources.
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The phrase is often used in the negative, i.e., not worth the candle
The idiom "is the game worth the candle?" is often used in the negative, implying that an activity or endeavour is not worth the time, money, or effort spent on it. The expression alludes to the expense of candlelight in the past, when candles were costly and lighting a room after sunset was more challenging than it is today.
The phrase is believed to have originated from the French proverb, "Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle," which translates to "the game is not worth the candle." It was used by the French essayist Michel de Montaigne in 1580 and appeared in a French-English dictionary in 1611. The English version of the phrase dates back to at least 1699.
In the context of gambling, the expression suggests that the potential winnings do not justify the expense of illuminating the card game with candles. Over time, the phrase took on a broader meaning, referring to any activity or undertaking that is not worth the resources invested. For example, in the context of building construction, a company might decide that constructing a new office is not worth the candle if the returns do not outweigh the time, money, and effort invested.
The phrase has persisted through the centuries, even though the original connection between games and candlelight has been lost due to technological advancements in lighting. Today, the expression is used figuratively to convey that an endeavour is not worth the effort or expense involved. It serves as a reminder to carefully consider the potential outcomes and costs of our actions before proceeding.
While the original phrase has a literal interpretation, modern variations have been suggested to make it more relatable to contemporary audiences. For instance, some people suggest reframing the phrase to reflect the modern context of gaming or illuminating one's life journey. These adaptations aim to preserve the essence of the proverb while making it more accessible and relevant to modern audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
The expression alludes to gambling by candlelight, which involved the expense of illumination. If the winnings were not sufficient, they did not warrant the expense.
The outcome, product, or returns of an activity or undertaking are not worth the time and resources that it requires.
The expression originated from the French phrase, "le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle" ("the game is not worth the candle"), which was initially used by French essayist Michel de Montaigne in 1580.
The expression has taken on a more figurative meaning over time, as the obvious link between the situation and the expression has been lost due to changing technology. In modern times, lighting a candle is not as onerous as it was in the past, so the expression has taken on a more abstract meaning, referring to any endeavour that is worthless or pointless.
