# two lamps burning and no ship at sea

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/two-lamps-burning-and-no-ship-at-sea
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Said of an unwisely or overly extravagant person.

## Examples

- He spends money like he has two lamps burning and no ship at sea.
- She bought three expensive cars despite her low salary, acting like she had two lamps burning and no ship at sea.
- The heir squandered his entire family fortune on frivolous luxuries, behaving as if he had two lamps burning and no ship at sea.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.