Ben Carter
The idiom doesn't hold a candle or can't hold a candle is used to describe a situation where one person or thing is inferior to another. 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 couldn't even hold a candle properly, they were considered worthless. In modern usage, the phrase is used to compare two people or things, with one being of significantly lesser quality or ability than the other.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | To imply that one person or thing is inferior to another |
| Usage | "X can't hold a candle to Y" or "X can't hold a candle to Y's Z" |
| Origin | Before electric lights, craftsmen employed apprentices to hold candles to illuminate their work. Being told that they weren't good enough to hold a candle was an insult. |
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What You'll Learn
Used to imply inferiority
The idiom "can't hold a candle to" is used to imply inferiority when comparing two people or things. It suggests that one is not as good as, or falls short of, the other. For example, "This new smartphone can't hold a candle to the older model," implies that the new smartphone is inferior to the older one. The phrase originates from the pre-electricity era when apprentices would hold candles to light the work of skilled craftsmen. If an apprentice couldn't hold a candle to a master craftsman, it meant they weren't qualified to be their assistant.
The phrase is used to highlight a significant difference in quality, capability, or performance between two entities, where one is considered much less impressive or competent than the other. It conveys a lack of capability, even for the most basic tasks. For example, "His storytelling skills can't hold a candle to that of seasoned authors," implies that the person being compared to seasoned authors lacks the skill or talent to be on par with them in storytelling.
The idiom has a few variations, such as "doesn't hold a candle to," and it shares similarities with other expressions of inferiority, such as "not in the same league" or "pales in comparison." These phrases all emphasize the idea of one subject being clearly subordinate to another in skill or quality. While it is a direct comparison, it is not generally considered rude or offensive, but its appropriateness depends on the context and the relationship between the people involved.
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Used to imply a lack of skill
The idiom "doesn't hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" is used to imply a lack of skill, talent, or quality in a person or thing when compared to another. It suggests that one individual or item is not as effective, accomplished, or admirable as another. For instance, in the sentence "Sarah is an excellent chef, but her cooking can't hold a candle to her mother's," the idiom emphasizes that Sarah's cooking skills are inferior to her mother's.
The phrase originates from the pre-electricity era when apprentices would hold candles to illuminate the work of more experienced craftsmen, symbolizing their support role. Holding a candle was a menial yet essential task, and failing to do it well indicated a lack of skill, even for the lowest responsibilities. Over time, this imagery evolved, and the phrase "can't hold a candle to" became a figurative expression used to describe someone who falls short in comparison to someone more skilled or competent.
The idiom is often used to highlight inadequacies in abilities and to denote a general lack of worthiness or value compared to someone or something else. It conveys a sense of hierarchy and respect and is typically reserved for situations where the distinction between two subjects is clear-cut, with one being distinctly superior. The phrase has endured as a vivid expression of comparison and reverence, reflecting our admiration for mastery and distinction.
While the idiom is primarily used to imply a lack of skill, it can also be used in a broader sense to compare various aspects of people or things, such as qualities or objects. For example, one might say, "The restaurant in town can't hold a candle to the one we visited in Paris," indicating that the town restaurant is inferior to the one in Paris in terms of quality or overall experience.
In summary, the idiom "doesn't hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" is a well-traveled expression that emphasizes a lack of skill, talent, or quality in direct comparison to someone or something else. Its historical roots in apprenticeship and subordination have shaped its enduring usage in emphasizing inferiority and reverence for mastery.
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Used to compare two things
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" is used to compare two things and imply that one thing is inferior to the other. For example, "Her latest book is readable enough, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work." Here, the comparison is made between the author's latest book and her earlier work, with the suggestion that the earlier work is superior.
The phrase originates from the 1600s, when craftsmen would employ apprentices to hold candles, providing light for the craftsman to work by. This was not a skilled job, and it was often performed by children. If an apprentice was not even considered competent enough to hold a candle, they were deemed worthless.
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" suggests that one person or thing is not as good as another. It implies a significant disparity in quality or ability, similar to how a single candle cannot compete with the brightness of electric lights.
When using this phrase, it is important to consider the context and ensure that the comparison is appropriate and understandable. The phrase is most effective when the difference between the two things being compared is clear and significant.
In modern usage, the phrase is often used in a light-hearted or exaggerated manner to express strong preference or highlight a perceived shortcoming. It can be used in various contexts, such as comparing products, performances, or even personal experiences.
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Used to compare two people
The idiom "can't hold a candle to" or "doesn't hold a candle to" is used to compare two people, where one is deemed inferior to the other. It expresses the idea that one person doesn't measure up to the other's quality, value, or skill. For example, "The fitness models on magazine covers with washboard abs can't hold a candle to the dedication and hard work of everyday gym-goers".
The phrase originates from the pre-electricity era when apprentices would hold candles to illuminate the work of skilled craftsmen. Holding a candle was a menial task, and failing to do it well indicated a lack of skill, even for the lowest responsibilities. Over time, this imagery evolved, and the phrase became an idiom for describing someone who falls short in comparison to someone more skilled or competent.
The idiom has a few variations, such as using "hold a candle" or "hold a candle to none", and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is not generally considered rude or offensive, but its appropriateness depends on the context and the relationship between the people involved.
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Originated in the 1600s
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle" or "can't hold a candle" originated in the 1600s. Back then, craftsmen would hire apprentices as extra hands to hold candles to illuminate their work. These apprentices were usually children, and holding a candle was not a skilled job.
The phrase is used to imply that someone or something is inferior or not good enough when compared to another. For instance, if someone says, "X can't hold a candle to Y," it means that X is inferior to Y.
The phrase originates from the idea that if an apprentice wasn't even skillful enough to hold a candle for their master, they were worthless. It was a grievous insult for a trainee craftsman to be told they weren't good enough to hold a candle, let alone perform the expert work of the craftsmen.
The use of the word ""to" instead of "for" in the phrase is because "to" indicates a comparison between two people or things, as in "X compared to Y." On the other hand, if "for" were used, it would imply that the candle-holder was helping the other person, as in "I hold a candle for my brother."
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" has endured and is still used today to indicate that someone or something pales in comparison to another.
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Frequently asked questions
It means that one person or thing is not as good as another.
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 couldn't hold the candle steadily, they were worthless.
"Her latest book is readable enough, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work."
"There is not one rock star today who could hold a candle to any of those composers."
"To" is used because the focus is on the difference between two people or things. We say "X compared to Y" and not "X compared for Y." "To" can also be understood as a short version of "toward," as in directing candlelight toward something.
