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Not worth the candle

Posted by Barney on November 30, 2000

In Reply to: Not worth the candle posted by Albert Delgado on November 30, 2000

: The phrase is originally "the game is not worth the candle". Therefore, the origin given here is not sufficient. I have been told that gambling, as many things, used to be done by candle light. Candles were more in demand and probably more expensive. When a gambler had a bad night at the tables, he may be heard saying that "the game was not worth the candle".

I'm sure you're entirely correct - well done.

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