Tyler Brooks
The phrase could hold a candle is used to compare two people or things, implying that one is superior to the other. It originates from the 1600s, when an apprentice would hold a candle to provide light for their master while they worked. If the apprentice couldn't even hold the candle steadily, they were considered worthless. Today, the phrase is used to express that one person or thing is not as good as another. For example, Her latest book is good, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | If someone or something is just not as good enough when compared to another |
| Examples | "There was no doubt about it, when you married me, few could hold a candle to you." |
| "Your horse is unbelievably beautiful. No one else's can hold a candle to yours." | |
| "No one can hold a candle to my mother's quilts—the design and workmanship are superb." | |
| "The old computer just doesn't hold a candle to the latest models." |
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What You'll Learn
Used to imply that someone or something is inferior
The idiom "hold a candle" is used to imply that someone or something is inferior. It is used to compare two people or things and suggest that one is not as good as the other.
For example, in the sentence "Her latest book is good, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work," the idiom indicates that the author's latest book is inferior to their previous work.
The phrase originates from the custom of apprentices holding a candle for their master so that the master could see more clearly. If someone could not even perform this simple task, they were considered worthless.
- "He may have the most beautiful girlfriend, but she can't hold a candle to my fiancee. Maggie is kind, beautiful, and smart!"
- "No one can hold a candle to my mother's quilts—the design and workmanship are superb."
- "There is not one rock star today who could hold a candle to any of those composers."
- "The old computer just doesn't hold a candle to the latest models."
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Used to compare the quality of two things
The idiom "hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" is used to compare the quality of two things. It is used to describe when one person or thing is not as good as another. For example, "Her latest book is good, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work".
The phrase originates from the custom of apprentices holding a candle for their master so that the master could see more clearly. The negative version implies that a person who was not fit even for such a simple task was worthless.
- "He may have the most beautiful girlfriend, but she can't hold a candle to my fiancee. Maggie is kind, beautiful, and smart!"
- "No one can hold a candle to my mother's quilts—the design and workmanship are superb."
- "There is not one rock star today who could hold a candle to any of those composers."
- "Your horse is unbelievably beautiful. No one else's can hold a candle to yours."
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Used to say that one person is not as good-looking as another
The phrase "could not hold a candle" is used to say that one person or thing is not as good-looking or talented as another. For example, if you say, "My brother can't hold a candle to my sister," it implies that you think your sister is more attractive or talented than your brother.
The phrase originates from the 1600s, when craftsmen would employ apprentices to hold candles to provide light while they worked. This job was typically given to unskilled laborers, often children, as it required little expertise. Therefore, it would be an insult for a craftsman to be told that they weren't even good enough to hold a candle, implying that they were worthless.
Over time, the phrase "could not hold a candle" has evolved to be used in a comparative sense, suggesting that one person or thing falls short in comparison to another. It is often used to describe someone or something that is inferior or less skilled than the person or thing being compared.
In modern usage, the phrase is commonly used to express that one person is not as attractive or talented as another. It suggests that the person being compared to cannot even meet the basic standard of holding a candle, implying a lack of appeal or ability.
When using this phrase, it is important to consider the context and the potential impact of your words. While it can be a colorful way to express your opinion, it may also be considered offensive or hurtful to the person being compared.
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Used to say that one person is not as talented as another
The idiom "hold a candle to" is used to say that one person or thing is not as talented or good as another. The phrase originates from the custom of apprentices holding a candle for their master so that the master could see more clearly. The negative version implies that a person who was unfit even for such a simple task was worthless.
"Her latest book is readable enough, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work."
"No one can hold a candle to my mother's quilts—the design and workmanship are superb."
"There is not one rock star today who could hold a candle to any of those composers."
"Your horse is unbelievably beautiful. No one else's can hold a candle to yours."
"I was beautiful, there was no doubt about it, when you married me." "You were, my dear," agreed her husband: "As a girl, few could hold a candle to you."
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Used to say that one person is not as skilled as another
The idiom "hold a candle to" is used to say that one person or thing is not as skilled or good as another. It is used to compare the quality or skill of two people or things, with the implication that one is superior to the other.
For example, one might say, "The old computer just doesn't hold a candle to the latest models," implying that the old computer is not as good as the latest models. Similarly, "No one can hold a candle to my mother's quilts—the design and workmanship are superb" asserts that no one's quilts are as good as those made by the speaker's mother.
The phrase "hold a candle to" can be used in a variety of contexts, including comparing people's looks, talents, possessions, and even their spouses! For instance, "He may have the most beautiful girlfriend, but she can't hold a candle to my fiancée. Maggie is kind, beautiful, and smart!" Here, the speaker believes that their fiancée is superior to their friend's girlfriend in terms of beauty, kindness, and intelligence.
The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the custom of apprentices holding a candle for their master so that the master could see more clearly. If someone could not even perform this simple task, they were considered worthless.
In conclusion, the phrase "hold a candle to" is a powerful way to express that one person or thing is not as skilled or exceptional as another. It adds emphasis and colour to the comparison, making it a memorable and effective figure of speech.
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Frequently asked questions
It means that the first person or thing is not as good as the second one.
The phrase "can't hold a candle" has its roots in the 1600s. It comes from the custom of apprentices holding a candle to provide light for their masters while they worked. An apprentice who couldn't even perform this simple task was considered worthless.
You can use the phrase in a sentence like, "Her latest book is good, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work."
