cannot hold a candle to somebody/something

can't hold a candle to (someone or something)

Cannot compare to someone or something; is not nearly as good or desirable as someone or something. The sequel wasn't bad, but it can't hold a candle to the original. John's fast all right, but he can't hold a candle to Louise! I'm sorry, but today's architecture can't hold a candle to mid-century modern.

See also: candle, hold, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cannot hold a candle to

be nowhere near as good as. informal

In the 16th century, an assistant would literally hold a candle to his superior by standing beside him with a candle to provide enough light for him to work by. The modern version suggests that the subordinate is so far inferior that he is unfit to perform even this humble task.

See also: candle, cannot, hold, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

cannot hold a candle to somebody/something

(informal) is not as good as somebody or something else: She is a good player, but she can’t hold a candle to a champion like Jane. OPPOSITE: put somebody/something in the shadeIn the past, an assistant used to hold a candle for somebody more senior so that they could have light to do their work. This idiom implies that even this position is too good for the person mentioned.

See also: candle, cannot, hold, somebody, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017