Chloe Adams
The phrase doesn't hold a candle is used to compare two things, with one being inferior to the other. The phrase is believed to have originated in the pre-electricity era when apprentices would assist craftsmen by holding candles to light their work. Being a menial task, it would be an insult for a craftsman to be told that they weren't good enough to even hold a candle, let alone do the skilled work. Thus, the phrase doesn't hold a candle implies that someone or something is not as good as another.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | To imply that one person or thing is inferior to another |
| Origin | The phrase originates from the pre-electricity era when apprentices would hold candles to light the work of skilled craftsmen. |
| First recorded use | Sir Edward Dering's "The fower cardinal-vertues of a Carmelite fryar" in 1641 |
| Examples | "His new car is nice, but it can't hold a candle to his old classic Mustang." "Even the best homemade pizza can't hold a candle to pizza in Naples." "Their new album doesn't hold a candle to their debut." |
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What You'll Learn
The phrase implies that one thing is inferior to another
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle" is a comparative expression that suggests a stark contrast in quality, performance, or value between two entities. When something "doesn't hold a candle to" another, it implies that it falls short in comparison and is considered inferior. This phrase originated from the practice of using candles to light up rooms or provide light for specific tasks. In the past, candles were a primary source of illumination, and their presence or absence could significantly impact the outcome of a task. The phrase draws a parallel between the inadequacy of a dimly lit candle and the shortcomings of one entity when compared to another.
For example, let's consider the sentence, "The new smartphone doesn't hold a candle to its predecessor when it comes to battery life." In this context, the phrase implies that the new smartphone is inferior to its predecessor in terms of battery performance. The predecessor, in this case, sets the standard or benchmark, and the new smartphone fails to match or surpass that standard in terms of battery longevity. The phrase conveys that the new smartphone's battery life is significantly shorter or less impressive than that of its predecessor.
In another context, the phrase could be used to compare the talent of two musicians. "Her piano skills don't hold a candle to those of the concert pianist she admires." Here, the comparison highlights the vast difference in skill level between the aspiring pianist and the accomplished concert pianist. The phrase suggests that the aspiring pianist's abilities are not even close to the level of proficiency and mastery displayed by the concert pianist, thus implying inferiority.
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" is particularly powerful because it conveys a sense of disparity or disproportion. It emphasizes that one entity is not just slightly lacking but significantly pales in comparison to the other. This phrase can be applied to various aspects of life, including performance, quality, features, or overall value. Whether it's comparing products, services, skills, or achievements, using "doesn't hold a candle to" immediately conveys a sense of one entity falling short of the standard set by another.
In summary, the phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" is a figurative expression that originates from the literal act of providing insufficient light with a candle. It conveys the idea that one thing is inferior, less impressive, or lacking in comparison to another. By using this phrase, speakers and writers can emphasize the perceived shortcomings of one entity when measured against a benchmark or standard set by another.
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It originates from the pre-electricity era
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle" is a comparative expression that suggests a sense of inferiority or inadequacy. Its origin lies in the pre-electricity era, when candles were the primary source of artificial light. In those times, candles played a crucial role in illuminating homes, workplaces, and any space where people needed to see after dark. However, the quality and brightness of candlelight varied, and not all candles provided the same level of illumination.
Some candles were made from cheaper materials or had wicks that didn't burn efficiently, resulting in a dimmer flame. When compared to a brighter, better-quality candle, these inferior candles literally "didn't hold a candle" to the superior one. Over time, this phrase became metaphorical, extending beyond the literal comparison of candlelight brightness. It started to be used to describe any situation where one person or thing was considered inferior or less valuable than another.
The pre-electricity era, particularly the 18th and 19th centuries, was a time when candlelight held significant importance. Social gatherings, dinners, and even romantic evenings were often lit by candles. In such settings, the quality of candlelight could enhance or detract from the ambiance and overall experience. A dimly lit candle, with a flickering flame and uneven burn, could ruin the atmosphere, thus reinforcing the idea of something that "doesn't hold a candle" to a brighter, more stable light source.
This phrase also reflects the social and economic hierarchies of the time. In wealthier households, high-quality candles made from beeswax or premium materials were common, providing a brighter and more consistent flame. In contrast, lower-quality candles made from tallow or other inexpensive materials were more prevalent in lower-class homes, often burning unevenly and producing smoke. This contrast in candle quality further emphasized the class divide and the notion of inferiority, giving weight to the expression "doesn't hold a candle."
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Apprentices would hold candles to light skilled craftsmen's work
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" has its origins in the historical practice of apprentices holding candles to illuminate the work of skilled craftspeople. In the days before electric lighting, craftsmen would employ apprentices, often children, as a second pair of hands, primarily to hold candles close enough so they could see what they were doing in dim conditions.
The role of holding a candle was essential for creating a sufficient work environment, especially in workshops or homes in the evening. The apprentice would be at the side of the master craftsman, observing their work and engaging in conversation and questions, as well as trying out new skills under the watchful eye of the master. Over time, the apprentice would acquire enough skill to warrant being paid for their work, even if they were not yet a master craftsman.
The phrase "can't hold a candle to" thus originated from the period when apprentices or assistants would hold candles to help their skilled masters see their work clearly. If an apprentice "couldn't hold a candle to" their master, it meant that they were not even good enough to assist in a minor task like holding the candle. This saying highlights the apprentice's inability to even assist in a simple task, implying that they are not comparable in skill or ability to their masters.
Over the years, the phrase has evolved to mean that one person or thing is inferior or not as good when compared to another. For example, one might say that a new singer "can't hold a candle to" a well-known legend, meaning the new singer is not as talented as the legend. In this way, the phrase has transitioned from a literal to a metaphorical context.
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It means someone isn't qualified to be an assistant
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle" is a figurative expression that suggests a person or something is inferior or lacking in comparison to another. When applied to the context of someone not being qualified for an assistant position, it implies that the individual falls short of the required standards or expectations.
Being an assistant typically entails a diverse range of responsibilities, often including organizational, communicative, and interpersonal skills. The role might involve managing schedules, handling correspondence, taking notes at meetings, and generally ensuring the smooth running of their superior's professional life. An individual who "doesn't hold a candle" to these expectations might display incompetence or a lack of proficiency in these areas. For example, they might consistently fail to meet deadlines, exhibit poor time management skills, or demonstrate a lack of attention to detail, resulting in errors or omissions in their work.
In addition to technical skills, an assistant is often expected to possess strong interpersonal abilities. They should be able to build rapport with people from a variety of backgrounds, exhibit tact and discretion when handling sensitive information, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. An individual who doesn't "hold a candle" in this regard might struggle to build positive relationships with colleagues, display inappropriate behavior or a lack of emotional intelligence, or fail to maintain confidentiality, all of which are critical to the role.
Furthermore, an assistant is often relied upon to take initiative and work independently, requiring self-motivation and the ability to manage their workload without constant supervision. A person who "doesn't hold a candle" to these expectations might require constant hand-holding, lack the ability to prioritize tasks, or exhibit a lack of proactivity, ultimately becoming more of a burden than a help to their superior.
In essence, the phrase "doesn't hold a candle" in this context conveys a sense of inadequacy and incompetence. It suggests that the individual lacks the skills, attributes, or qualities necessary to fulfill the role effectively, whether that be through a deficiency in technical abilities, interpersonal skills, or the ability to work independently. This phrase is a powerful way to convey that someone is not suited for a particular position or role.
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The phrase was first recorded in the 1600s
The idiom "doesn't hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" is believed to have been first recorded in English in the 17th century. Specifically, sources point to a 1641 work by Sir Edward Dering, "The fower cardinal-vertues of a Carmelite fryar", which includes the phrase "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.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the idiom was regularly used in literature and conversation to highlight inadequacies in abilities and denote a general lack of worthiness or value compared to something or someone else. The phrase eventually became a standard idiom, used broadly in contexts where one thing or person is seen as significantly less impressive than another.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to 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 failing to do it well indicated a lack of skill even for the lowest responsibilities. Over time, this imagery evolved, and "can't hold a candle to" became an idiom for describing someone who falls short in comparison to someone more skilled or competent.
Today, the idiom is used figuratively to convey a sense of hierarchy and respect, often reserved for situations where the distinction between two subjects is clear-cut, with one being distinctly superior.
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Frequently asked questions
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle" is used to imply that someone or something is inferior or less impressive than another.
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle" has its roots in the 1600s. Before electric lights, craftsmen would employ apprentices to hold candles to illuminate their work. This was a menial task, and failing to do it well indicated a lack of skill. Over time, the phrase evolved to describe someone who falls short in comparison to someone more skilled or competent.
An example of the phrase in context is, "His storytelling skills don't hold a candle to that of seasoned authors."
Some similar phrases include "not in the same league" and "pales in comparison." These phrases also convey the idea of one subject being clearly subordinate to another in terms of skill or quality.
