can't hold a candle to

can't hold a candle to someone/something

if someone or something cannot hold a candle to someone or something else, they are not as good as that other person or thing. These pop bands that you hear nowadays can't hold a candle to the groups we used to listen to in the sixties.

See also: can't, candle, hold

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someone/something can't hold a candle to someone/something else

someone or something is not as good as someone or something else. For Walter, basketball and football can't hold a candle to baseball.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form something can hold a candle to something else: Not one of her drawings can hold a candle to yours.

See also: can't, candle, hold