Maddie James
The phrase doesn't hold a candle to 12 years together is an idiomatic expression that means something is comparatively inferior or not as good as the person or thing being mentioned. In this context, it suggests that a decision to marry someone for one day is insignificant compared to a 12-year relationship. The phrase originates from the 1600s, when apprentices would hold candles to provide light for craftsmen, and being unfit even to hold a candle was considered worthless.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Something is not as good as another thing |
| Example | "When it comes to singing, my brother can't hold a candle to my sister" |
| Origin | The phrase originated in the 1600s when craftsmen would employ someone to hold a candle while they worked. It would be an insult for a trainee to be told they weren't good enough to even hold a candle. |
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What You'll Learn
Beverly's decision to marry Zeke
The idiom "doesn't hold a candle to" means that something is comparatively inferior or not as good as another person or thing. The phrase originates from the 1600s, when craftsmen would employ someone to hold a candle and provide light while they worked. This was a menial task often performed by apprentices, who were usually children. It would be a great insult for a craftsman to be told they weren't good enough to even hold a candle, let alone perform the skilled work of their master.
In the context of Beverly's decision to marry Zeke, the phrase "doesn't hold a candle to 12 years together" suggests that Beverly is comparing her brief marriage to Zeke to a longer-term relationship with someone else. Beverly's decision to marry Zeke may have been influenced by her interpretation of Zeke's fears, as she may not have been fully aware of the circumstances around his previous marriage.
Beverly's statement indicates that she feels her marriage to Zeke, which may have been based on a short-term commitment or impulsive decision, pales in comparison to the stability and longevity of a 12-year relationship. This interpretation of the phrase suggests that Beverly is prioritizing the depth and duration of a connection over a fleeting romantic gesture.
The phrase also hints at Zeke's insecurities, as he may feel that his marriage to Beverly is being undervalued or seen as less meaningful than a longer relationship. This could be a source of anxiety for Zeke, especially if he fears that his marriage is not enough to compete with the perceived advantages of a longer-lasting relationship.
Ultimately, Beverly's decision to marry Zeke and her subsequent comparison to a longer relationship highlights the complex dynamics of love, commitment, and the perception of value in relationships.
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Zeke's insecurities
Additionally, the idiom itself has interesting origins that further highlight Zeke's fears. The phrase originates from the 1600s, when apprentices would hold candles to provide light for craftsmen. Being a candle-holder was not a skilled job, and it was often done by children. Thus, it would be a great insult for an apprentice to be told they weren't capable of even holding a candle, let alone performing the skilled work of the craftsmen. This origin story emphasizes the feeling of inferiority and inadequacy that Zeke may be experiencing.
To address Zeke's insecurities, it is important to acknowledge and validate his feelings. Open communication with Michaela about their relationship and her past is crucial. Zeke needs to feel secure in his relationship, and this can be achieved through reassurance and the creation of new, meaningful memories together.
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Michaela and Jared's chemistry
The chemistry between Michaela and Jared is undeniable, even after 12 years apart and with other partners. Their connection is so strong that it seems to surpass the bonds of marriage.
Michaela and Jared's relationship has a long history, with 12 years together before their time apart. Their chemistry is so potent that it has survived the test of time, and the phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" exemplifies this. The idiom originates from the idea of an apprentice holding a candle for a master craftsman, a menial task requiring no skill. If the apprentice couldn't even hold a candle correctly, they were worthless.
In the context of Michaela and Jared, the phrase indicates that Michaela's decision to marry someone else is insignificant compared to her lengthy history with Jared. It suggests that their chemistry is so strong that it renders Michaela's marriage almost meaningless in comparison.
The exact nature of Michaela and Jared's relationship is not clear, but their bond is evidently deep and enduring. Their chemistry is a testament to the power of shared history and connection, even if it is not always acted upon.
While the details are scarce, it is evident that Michaela and Jared share a unique and potent chemistry that has persisted through time and other relationships. Their story illustrates how strong emotional connections can transcend circumstance and status, creating a bond that is challenging to replicate or extinguish.
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Beverly's lack of free will
The idiom "doesn't hold a candle to" means that something is not as good as another thing. This phrase originates from the 1600s when craftsmen would employ someone as a second pair of hands, often an apprentice, to hold candles to provide light while they worked. As this was not a skilled job, it would be an insult for a craftsman to be told that they were not good enough to even hold a candle, let alone do the work of the actual craftsmen.
In the context of "doesn't hold a candle to 12 years together," Beverly is saying that Michaela's decision to marry Zeke for one day (as she thought he only had one day left to live) was not as meaningful as 12 years together with Jared. However, it is important to note that Beverly is not necessarily expressing her own opinion here. Instead, she is picking up on Zeke's fears and insecurities and reflecting them back to him. This is evident when Zeke asks her, "Can you feel what I'm feeling?" indicating that Beverly is echoing his emotions rather than her own. Therefore, Beverly's lack of free will in this situation is apparent, as she is not acting or speaking based on her own thoughts and decisions. She is influenced by Zeke's feelings and may not even be fully aware of the circumstances around the wedding, as suggested by a commenter. This phrase and Beverly's words highlight the comparison between a brief marriage and a long-term relationship, with the former being considered inferior or less significant.
Furthermore, Beverly's lack of free will can be seen in how her words are interpreted by the audience. One commenter mentions that the phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" showcases Zeke's insecurities about his relationship with Michaela. By Beverly making this comparison, she is unintentionally feeding into Zeke's fears and doubts about his worth in the relationship. This interpretation suggests that Beverly's words are not coming from her own agency but are being used to further the narrative and character development of Zeke.
In conclusion, Beverly's lack of free will in this scenario is evident through her parroting of Zeke's emotions and the audience's interpretation of her words. Her statement, "doesn't hold a candle to 12 years together," while carrying a specific meaning and historical context, ultimately serves to highlight Zeke's character and his insecurities in the relationship.
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The meaning of the phrase hold a candle to
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" means that something is not as good as another thing when the two are compared. The phrase is used to show that one thing is inferior or less valuable than another.
The phrase can be traced back to the 1600s, when apprentices would hold candles to provide light for craftsmen. Candle-holding was a menial task, usually given to children, as it required no skill. If an apprentice was told they weren't good enough to even hold a candle, it was a grievous insult, implying they were worthless.
Over time, the phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" became a common idiom used to express that something is comparatively inferior. For example, one might say, "When it comes to singing, my brother doesn't hold a candle to my sister," meaning that the sister is the better singer.
In the context of "doesn't hold a candle to 12 years together," it suggests that something is being compared to a 12-year relationship and is found lacking. It implies that the 12 years together are more valuable or meaningful than whatever is being compared to it.
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Frequently asked questions
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" means that something is not as good as something else.
The phrase "doesn't hold a candle to" originated in the 1600s when craftsmen would employ someone to hold candles so they could see what they were doing. It would be an insult for a craftsman to be told they weren't good enough to even hold the candle.
In the show ManifestNBC, the phrase "doesn't hold a candle to 12 years together" is used to describe the relationship between Michaela and Jared. Michaela is married, but there is still romantic chemistry between her and Jared, who has seemingly moved on.
Some examples of how the phrase can be used in a sentence include: "When it comes to singing, my brother doesn't hold a candle to my sister" and "Fallout 3 doesn't hold a candle to Morrowind."
A similar phrase to "doesn't hold a candle to" is "can't carry a torch for".
