Ben Carter
The idiom do not hold a candle or can't hold a candle to means that a person or thing is not as good as another person or thing. The phrase originates from the custom of apprentices holding candles for their masters to see more clearly. The negative version implies that a person who was not fit even for such a simple task was worthless. The phrase has been used in literature by authors such as Thomas Hardy and Jerome K. Jerome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | If someone or something is not as good as another person or thing, it is said that they "don't hold a candle" to the superior version. |
| Usage | "John's fast all right, but he can't hold a candle to Louise!" |
| Origin | Before electric lights, craftsmen would employ someone to hold candles so they could see their work. This was usually a child apprentice, and it was not a skilled job. It would be an insult to a craftsman to be told they weren't good enough to hold a candle. |
| Examples | "The remake doesn't hold a candle to the original film." "There is not one rock star today who could hold a candle to any of those composers." |
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What You'll Learn
The phrase's origin
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 pre-electricity era when apprentices would hold candles to light the work of skilled craftsmen. Holding a candle was a menial yet essential task, and an apprentice who couldn't even do this simple job properly was considered worthless and not even qualified to be an assistant.
The earliest known use of a similar phrase appears in Sir Edward Dering's work, "The fower cardinal-vertues of a Carmelite fryar" from 1641, where he wrote, "Though I be not worthy to hold the candle to Aristotle." This early usage implies reverence and comparison, suggesting that the speaker is unworthy to serve even in a menial capacity alongside a revered figure like Aristotle.
Later, in the 19th century, the idiom started appearing in its more familiar form, such as in William Norris's 1883 novel "No New Thing," which reads, "Edith is pretty, very pretty; but she can't hold a candle to Nellie," emphasizing Edith's inferiority in beauty compared to Nellie. Over time, the phrase transitioned from a literal reference to candle-holding to a metaphorical one, often used in the negative form to emphasize inferiority.
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Comparison to another
The phrase "do not hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" is used to compare two people or things and assert that one is far superior to the other. For example, "the remake doesn't hold a candle to the original film". The phrase originates from the pre-electric lighting era, when craftsmen would employ someone, usually children, to hold candles so they could see their work. Telling a craftsman that he wasn't good enough to even hold a candle was considered a grievous insult.
Comparing Two Movies
> The sequel wasn't bad, but it can't hold a candle to the original.
Comparing Two Singers
> As for singing, John can't hold a candle to Jane.
Comparing Two Athletes
> John is fast, but he can't hold a candle to Louise!
Comparing Two Historical Figures
> Sir Edward Dering once wrote, "I be not worthy to hold a candle to Aristotle."
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Insult or worthlessness
The phrase "do not hold a candle" or "can't hold a candle to" is used to describe someone or something that is not as good as another person or thing. This phrase originated from the practice of craftsmen employing young apprentices to hold candles, allowing them to see their work before electric lighting. As this was not a skilled job, it was considered an insult for a trainee craftsman to be told that they were not good enough to even hold a candle.
The phrase has been used in various contexts, such as comparing the quality of films, music, and architecture. For example, a person might say that a remake of a film "doesn't hold a candle to the original." This implies that the remake is inferior to the original film. Similarly, in music, one could say that a particular musician "can't hold a candle to" another, indicating that the former is not as talented or accomplished as the latter.
The phrase can also be used in a more light-hearted or humorous way to express a strong preference or to exaggerate the difference in quality between two things. For instance, one might jokingly say that their favorite snack "doesn't hold a candle" to their new favorite, or that a particular sports team "can't hold a candle to" their rivals, implying a wide gap in skill or performance.
While the phrase is often used to express an opinion about quality or skill, it can also be utilized to convey a sense of worthlessness or insult when used in certain contexts. For example, if a person's efforts or achievements are constantly dismissed or belittled in comparison to others, using this phrase could make them feel inadequate or worthless. It implies that their contributions are insignificant or lacking in value compared to those of another person.
In conclusion, the phrase "do not hold a candle" or "can't hold a candle to" is a colorful expression that conveys a sense of inferiority or insufficiency. While it can be used casually or humorously in some contexts, it also has the potential to carry a deeper implication of worthlessness or insult, depending on the specific situation and intent of the speaker.
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Quality, skill, and desirability
The idiom "do not hold a candle" is used to compare the quality, skill, and desirability of two entities, implying that one is far superior to the other. The phrase has been used since the 16th century, with the earliest recorded usage found in John Heywood's 1546 collection of proverbs.
The phrase originates from the pre-electric lighting era when craftsmen would employ assistants, often children, to hold candles and provide illumination for their work. Holding a candle was not a skilled job and required no expertise. Thus, to be told that one is not even good enough to hold a candle is a grievous insult, implying a lack of both quality and skill.
In modern usage, the phrase "do not hold a candle to" is used to express that someone or something is not as good as, or desirable as, another. For example, one might say that a sequel does not hold a candle to the original film, implying that the original is far superior in quality and desirability. Similarly, one might compare athletes and say that one cannot hold a candle to the other, indicating a significant disparity in skill and performance.
The phrase is versatile and can be applied to various domains, including music, literature, architecture, and technology. For instance, one could say that a particular musician does not hold a candle to another, suggesting that the latter possesses greater talent and skill. In literature, one book may be described as not holding a candle to another, indicating that it falls short in terms of literary merit and desirability among readers.
In summary, the phrase "do not hold a candle" is a powerful expression that conveys a distinct lack of quality, skill, and desirability in comparison to another entity. Its usage evokes a strong sentiment of inferiority, highlighting the vast gap between the two entities being compared.
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Usage examples
The idiom "do not hold a candle" is used to convey that someone or something is inferior or not as good as another person or thing. Here are some usage examples:
Example 1:
"The new smartphone released by Company X simply doesn't hold a candle to its predecessor in terms of innovation and design." In this example, the new smartphone is being compared to its predecessor, and the speaker believes that it falls short in terms of bringing new features and aesthetic appeal.
Example 2:
"When it comes to baking, my skills do not hold a candle to my grandmother's. Her cakes are always moist and fluffy, while mine tend to be dry and dense." Here, the speaker is comparing their baking abilities to their grandmother's, humbly acknowledging that their cakes don't turn out as well as their grandmother's delicious creations.
Example 3:
"The local basketball team's defence doesn't hold a candle to the opposing team's offence. They need to step up their game if they want to have a chance at winning the championship." The speaker in this example is drawing a comparison between the two teams' defensive and offensive capabilities, suggesting that the local team's defence is not as strong as their opponents' offence.
Example 4:
"After seeing the student's latest painting, it's clear that she's a natural talent. Her work completely eclipses that of her peers; they simply can't hold a candle to her artistic ability." In this scenario, the student's artwork is being contrasted with that of her classmates, and the speaker is impressed by her exceptional skill, which far surpasses that of the other students.
Example 5:
"The new employee's performance pales in comparison to our top sales representative. He just can't hold a candle to her persuasive skills and extensive product knowledge." Here, the new employee is being compared to the top sales representative within the company. The speaker suggests that the new employee lacks the same level of persuasion and product expertise that their colleague possesses.
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Frequently asked questions
It means that the person or thing is not as good as another person or thing and is used to make a comparison.
Before electric lights, craftsmen would employ someone, usually children, to hold candles so that they could see their work. It was considered an insult to be told that you weren't good enough to hold a candle, let alone do the work of the craftsmen.
"The sequel wasn't bad, but it can't hold a candle to the original."
The phrase first appeared in John Heywood's 1546 collection of proverbs.
