[Idiom] NOT HOLD A CANDLE TO. - Understanding When Something Just Doesn't Match Up

cannot compare

Imagine you are at a talent show where contestants passionately display their skills. One after another, they dazzle the audience with exceptional performances. However, amidst these stars, one performer doesn’t quite capture the crowd's awe. Saying they 'can’t hold a candle' to the others means their skills just don’t compare; they are noticeably less competent or impressive. This idiom originates from the old custom where an apprentice would hold a candle so that more skilled workers could see to work by its light. The phrase evolved to imply that the apprentice could not match their master's skill even enough to hold a candle to them.

Example Sentences

1. His proposal didn't hold a candle to hers.

   His proposal was much less impressive than hers.

2. The competitor’s services don't hold a candle to what we offer.

   The competitor's services are not nearly as good as ours.

3. In terms of creativity, his ideas don’t hold a candle to those of his teammate.

   In terms of creativity, his ideas are far inferior to his teammate's.