not hold a candle to (someone or something)

To not be nearly as good, desirable, or impressive as someone or something else. The sequel isn't too bad, but it doesn't hold a candle to the original. John's a nice enough guy, he just can't hold a candle our last supervisor.

See also: candle, hold, not, to

See also:

not hold a stick to
not hold a stick to (someone or something)
not in the same league as (someone or something)
not in the same league with
not in the same league with (someone or something)
doesn't hold a candle (to someone or something)
cannot hold a candle to
can't hold a candle to
can't hold a candle to (someone or something)
can't hold a candle to someone/something

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