Chloe Adams
The idiom did not hold a candle is used to compare two things, with one being inferior or less impressive than the other. The phrase dates back to the 1600s, when an apprentice to a master craftsman would only be fit to hold a candle to provide light for the master while he worked. If the apprentice couldn't even hold a candle correctly, they were considered worthless. Thus, the phrase implies that one thing or person is not as good as or competent as another.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Used to compare two things, usually to state that one is inferior to the other |
| Origin | The phrase originates from the 1600s, when apprentices would hold candles to provide light for craftsmen |
| Insult | Being told they couldn't even hold a candle was an insult to apprentices, implying they were worthless |
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What You'll Learn
The phrase originates from the 1600s
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" or "doesn't hold a candle to" has its roots in the 1600s. Back then, craftsmen would employ apprentices or children as extra hands, often to hold candles to illuminate their work in the absence of electric lights. This was considered an unskilled job, and the apprentices were considered inferior to the craftsmen.
If an apprentice couldn't even hold a candle correctly, they were deemed worthless. The phrase thus conveys that one thing or person is inferior, less impressive, or not as competent when compared to another. For example, in the sentence "Magazine X can't hold a candle to Magazine Y," it implies that Magazine X is inferior to Magazine Y in quality.
The use of the preposition "to" in the phrase is also significant. It can be understood as a shortened version of "toward," indicating that the candle-holder is directing the candlelight toward the master craftsman or their work. This preposition emphasizes the comparison between two things, as in "X compared to Y," rather than implying collaboration, as in "I hold a candle for my brother."
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" has endured through the centuries as a vivid and memorable way to express the notion of inferiority or incompetence in comparison to someone or something else.
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An apprentice's job was to hold a candle
In the pre-electricity era, an apprentice's job was often to hold a candle so that more experienced workers could see their work. This task was usually given to unskilled apprentices, who were often children. Holding a candle at the right angle to illuminate a craftsman's work was a simple but important job. If an apprentice couldn't even hold a candle properly, they were considered useless and inferior.
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" originates from this concept. It is used to compare two things, with one being considered inferior or less impressive than the other. For example, saying "this new smartphone can't hold a candle to the older model" implies that the new smartphone is not as good as the older one. The phrase is often used to compare old and new versions of products, skills, performances, or achievements.
The use of "to" instead of "for" in the idiom is due to archaic language. "To" can be understood as a short version of "toward," indicating that the candle-holder is directing the light toward the craftsman or their work. If the apprentice failed to do this correctly, the craftsman would not be able to see properly.
The phrase has been used in literature and popular culture, such as in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" and in the song "Old Flames (Can't Hold a Candle to You)" by Kesha and Dolly Parton.
Today, the phrase is used more broadly to suggest that something or someone is not as good, competent, or effective as another. It is a useful expression for drawing comparisons and indicating a significant gap in quality or ability.
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Apprentices were considered worthless if they couldn't hold a candle
The idiom "can't hold a candle to" is used to compare two things, with one being inferior or less impressive than the other. The phrase originates from the 1600s, when craftsmen would hire apprentices, often children, to act as an extra pair of hands and hold candles to provide light while they worked. As candle-holding was a simple, unskilled task, an apprentice who couldn't perform it properly was considered worthless and not competent enough to progress to more advanced work. Being told they couldn't even hold a candle was a grievous insult, implying they were incapable of living up to the expert standards of their master.
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" has endured and evolved over the centuries, preserving a bit of archaic language. In modern usage, it is used to convey that someone or something is just not good enough when compared to another. For example, one might say that a certain actor can't hold a candle to another, implying that the former pales in comparison to the latter's superior talent.
The use of "to" instead of "for" in the idiom is a matter of preposition usage, which can be arbitrary and varies across different languages. In this context, "to" can be understood as a shortened version of "toward," indicating that the candle-holder is directing the light toward the master or the area they are working on. If the apprentice fails to do this correctly, the master will not have sufficient light to work effectively.
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" is a powerful metaphor, illustrating the vast disparity between two entities, with one being significantly inferior or less impressive than the other.
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The phrase is used to compare two people or things
The idiom "did not hold a candle" is used to compare two people or things, with one being superior to the other. The phrase implies that one thing or person is inferior, less impressive, or not as good as the other. For example, one might say that a certain actor "doesn't hold a candle" to another, more accomplished actor, implying that the former is not as skilled or renowned as the latter.
The phrase has its roots in the 1600s, when craftsmen would employ apprentices to hold candles and provide light while they worked. This was not a skilled job, and it was often done by children. An apprentice who couldn't even hold a candle properly and provide adequate light for their master was considered worthless. Thus, the phrase "did not hold a candle" came to signify incompetence or inferiority.
The use of the word "to" in the phrase is significant. As some sources suggest, "to" can be understood as a short version of "toward," indicating that the candle-holder is directing the light toward the master or their work. This also highlights the comparative nature of the phrase, as in "X compared to Y," emphasizing the difference between the two subjects being compared.
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It implies that one thing is inferior to another
The idiom "did not hold a candle" is used to compare two things, implying that one is inferior to the other. It suggests a clear difference in quality, competence, or effectiveness between the two entities being compared. The phrase originates from the 1600s, when craftsmen would employ apprentices to hold candles and provide light while they worked. Being a menial task, an apprentice who couldn't even hold a candle adequately was considered worthless and unskilled. Thus, the phrase conveys that one thing falls short of the standard or excellence of another.
For example, one might say that a particular actor "doesn't hold a candle" to another, implying that the former is not as talented or accomplished as the latter. Similarly, one might claim that a certain brand of electronics "can't hold a candle" to its competitor, suggesting that its products are inferior in quality or features.
The phrase is often used in a figurative sense, but its literal origin sheds light on its evolution. In the past, before the advent of electric lighting, craftsmen relied on apprentices to hold candles to illuminate their work. This task was assigned to individuals with little to no skill, often children. If an apprentice couldn't perform this simple task, they were deemed useless to the craftsman.
The idiom "did not hold a candle" captures this notion of inadequacy and inferiority. It conveys that one entity is so lacking in comparison to another that it can't even perform the most basic or menial function adequately. This phrase is a powerful way to emphasize the disparity between two things or individuals.
In summary, the phrase "did not hold a candle" implies that one thing is inferior to another. Its historical context involving apprentices and craftsmen provides insight into the meaning and usage of this idiom. By using this phrase, we invoke a rich history of craftsmanship and illuminate the differences between two entities in a vivid and memorable way.
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Frequently asked questions
It means that someone or something is not as good as another person or thing.
The phrase dates back to the 1600s, when an apprentice would hold a candle to provide light for their master while they worked. If the apprentice wasn't even skillful enough to hold a candle, they were considered worthless.
"Her latest book is readable enough, but it doesn't hold a candle to her earlier work."
You could say "it doesn't compare" or "it pales in comparison."
