PhrasesHub

Can't hold a candle to

    Definitions

      • inferior or not as good as someone else
        To compare someone or something unfavorably to another person or thing that is far superior in some way

      • not able to do something as well as someone else
        To be unable to perform a task or skill at the same level of proficiency as someone else

      • not worth the effort or attention
        To not be worth the time, energy, or attention compared to other more important or valuable tasks or matters

    Examples of Can't hold a candle to

    • Sarah is an exceptional athlete. She can't hold a candle to Michael Phelps in terms of swimming records.

      This idiom means that someone is not as talented or successful as another person in a particular area. The phrase "hold a candle to" implies that the first person's abilities or achievements are not as bright or impressive as the second person's. In this example, Sarah may be a great swimmer, but Michael Phelps has set numerous swimming records, making him a more exceptional athlete in this regard.

    • When it comes to public speaking, my boss is a force to be reckoned with. No one can hold a candle to her charisma and eloquence on stage.

      This idiom is similar to the previous one, but it refers to someone's strength or power in a particular situation. The phrase "hold a candle to" implies that the first person's abilities or achievements are not as formidable or impressive as the second person's. In this example, the boss's public speaking skills are so exceptional that no one else in the same situation can match her level of charisma and eloquence.

    • Despite my best efforts, I can't hold a candle to my sister's baking skills. Her cakes are simply divine.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's superiority in a particular skill or talent. The phrase "hold a candle to" implies that the first person's abilities or achievements are not as impressive as the second person's. In this example, the speaker may enjoy baking, but their sister's cakes are so delicious that they cannot compare.

    • My friend's new business venture is off to a flying start. I can't hold a candle to her entrepreneurial skills.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's exceptional abilities or achievements in a particular area. The phrase "hold a candle to" implies that the first person's abilities or achievements are not as impressive as the second person's. In this example, the speaker may have started a business in the past, but their friend's new venture is doing exceptionally well, making her a more successful entrepreneur.

    • When it comes to playing the piano, my daughter is a natural. She can't hold a candle to her teacher's level of expertise, but she's getting there.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's innate talent or ability in a particular area. The phrase "hold a candle to" implies that the first person's abilities or achievements are not as impressive as the second person's. In this example, the daughter may be a talented pianist, but her teacher's level of expertise is much higher. However, the daughter is making progress and improving her skills.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "can't hold a candle to" is used to express a sense of inferiority or inadequacy compared to another person or thing. It can also be used to indicate that someone is not able to perform a task or skill as well as someone else. Additionally, it can convey the idea that something is not worth the effort or attention when compared to other more important matters.

    Origin of "Can't hold a candle to"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century when candles were the main source of light in households. In order to assist workers, an apprentice would hold a candle for the master while they worked. This task was seen as less important and required less skill than the actual work being done. Therefore, if someone was not able to even hold a candle to the master, it was a clear indication of their inferiority.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to be used in a figurative sense, with the candle representing something that is of lesser value or importance. Today, the idiom is commonly used to express a sense of inadequacy or inferiority in a variety of situations.

    Examples:

    • "I may be a good cook, but I can't hold a candle to my grandmother's cooking."
    • "Her singing is beautiful, but it can't hold a candle to the original version."
    • "I tried to fix the car but I can't hold a candle to a professional mechanic."