hold a candle
English
Etymology
- Probably from the custom of apprentices to a trade holding a candle so the master worker could see clearly. If a person was not even good enough for such a simple task, then he was worthless.
Verb
hold a candle (third-person singular simple present holds a candle, present participle holding a candle, simple past and past participle held a candle)
- (idiomatic) To compare; to be even remotely of the same quality, skill, etc. as another.
- The old computer just doesn't hold a candle to the latest models.
Usage notes
- Typically used in the negative when something does not compare, as in the example.
Translations
be even remotely of the same quality
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Further reading
- “hold” in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
- “not-hold-a-candle-to” (US) / “not-hold-a-candle-to” (UK) in Macmillan Dictionary
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