Brooke Martin
The idiom don't hold a candle is used to compare two things, usually to state that one is 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. If an apprentice couldn't hold a candle, it meant they weren't qualified to assist the craftsmen. Being told they weren't good enough to hold a candle was considered a grievous insult. The phrase has been used in English since at least the 17th century and continues to be a vivid way to express that something is not quite up to par.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | To imply that one thing is inferior to another |
| Origin | The phrase originated in the 1600s, when an apprentice might only be fit to hold a candle to provide light for their master |
| Usage | "You're not in his league" or "You don't even come close" |
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What You'll Learn
Apprentices and masters
The idiom "can't hold a candle to" is used to imply that one person or thing is inferior or not as good as another. The phrase has its roots in the 1600s, when an apprentice, who was not yet skilled in their craft, might only be tasked with holding a candle to provide light for their master while they worked. An apprentice who couldn't even perform this basic task was considered worthless.
This phrase is often used to compare the skills or qualities of two people, suggesting that one person is far less capable or talented than the other. For example, "As a singer, she can't hold a candle to her sister." Here, the speaker is saying that the sister is a much better singer than the person being discussed.
The phrase can also be used to compare inanimate objects or abstract concepts. For example, "This new smartphone doesn't even hold a candle to its predecessor when it comes to battery life." This implies that the predecessor has far superior battery life compared to the new smartphone.
The idiom is quite versatile and can be used in various contexts, from discussing the arts to sports, academics, or any other area where comparisons are made. It is a colourful way of expressing that one thing or person falls short of another in terms of quality, ability, or achievement.
While the phrase is still used today, some may consider it old-fashioned or literary, more likely to be encountered in writing than in everyday conversation. Nonetheless, it offers a vivid mental image of the "light" or "brightness" of one person or thing being far outshone by another, harkening back to the days of apprentices and masters.
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Insulting incompetence
The phrase "don't hold a candle" is an insult that implies incompetence and inferiority. It originated in the 1600s, referring to an apprentice who was only fit to hold a candle for their master while they worked. An apprentice who couldn't even perform this basic task was considered worthless.
Today, the phrase is used to convey that someone or something is not as good as another. For example, "Her latest book is readable, but it doesn't hold a candle to her earlier work." This insult can be particularly scathing when used to describe a person's qualities, intelligence, or performance. It suggests that they are not even in the same league as the person they are being compared to.
When insulting someone's incompetence, using "don't hold a candle" can be an effective way to convey their lack of skill or ability. It can be used in phrases such as, "Compared to him, you don't even hold a candle," or "Your work doesn't hold a candle to theirs." This phrase is a powerful way to emphasize the disparity in skill or quality between two people or things.
The phrase "don't hold a candle" is a strong insult that has stood the test of time. It conveys a clear message of inferiority and incompetence, making it a useful phrase when trying to belittle or demean someone's abilities or accomplishments. However, it may sound old-fashioned or literary to some, so it might not be easily understood by all audiences.
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Archaic language
The phrase "don't hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" means that a person or thing is inferior or not as good as another. The phrase originates from the 1600s, when an apprentice would only be fit to hold a candle to provide light for their master while they worked. An apprentice who couldn't even hold a candle was worthless.
The phrase implies that one person or thing is of lesser value or ability than another. For example, "Her latest book is readable enough, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work." Here, the speaker is saying that the author's latest book is not as good as her previous work.
The phrase is considered old-fashioned or literary and may be incomprehensible to those who haven't encountered it before. Some equivalent phrases that convey a similar meaning include "you don't stack up," "you don't come close," "you're not even in the running," or "you're not in their league."
The use of the phrase "don't hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" is an example of archaic language that has its roots in the past but is still occasionally used in modern literature and conversation.
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Idiomatic comparisons
The idiom "don't hold a candle to" or "can't hold a candle to" means that a person or thing is inferior or not as good as another. The phrase dates back to the 1600s, when an apprentice might only be useful for holding a candle to provide light for their master while they worked. An apprentice who couldn't even perform this simple task was considered worthless.
Today, the phrase is used to describe someone or something that doesn't measure up to a particular standard. For example, one might say that a particular book doesn't hold a candle to the author's earlier works, implying that the book is inferior to the author's previous writing.
Other ways to express this idea include:
- "You don't stack up."
- "You don't even come close."
- "You're not even in the running."
- "You're not in their league."
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Superiority and inferiority
The idiom "don't hold a candle to" is used to imply that one thing or person is inferior to another. The phrase dates back to the 1600s, when an apprentice might only be useful for holding a candle to illuminate their master's workspace. An apprentice who couldn't even perform this simple task was considered worthless.
This expression is often used to describe someone who doesn't measure up to another person's qualities, intelligence, or performance. For example, one might say that a particular musician "doesn't hold a candle to" the great composers, implying that the musician is inferior to the composers.
The phrase conveys a sense of significant disparity in skill, talent, or worth between two entities. It suggests that the person or thing being compared to doesn't even come close to the level of excellence of the other.
In literature, this idiom can be used to describe a character's inferiority complex or to highlight the vast difference in ability or status between two characters. For instance, a character who feels they "don't hold a candle to" another character may feel inadequate or insecure in comparison.
While the phrase is still used today, some may consider it old-fashioned or literary in style. Nevertheless, it effectively conveys a sense of inferiority or inadequacy in comparison to another.
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Frequently asked questions
If someone or something is just not good enough when compared to another, it is said that it doesn't even hold a candle to the superior, much better version.
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 the master, it showed they weren't skilled enough to compare to them.
"His new car is nice, but it doesn't hold a candle to his old classic Mustang.".
"No offense, but your rendition of the song doesn't hold a candle to the original.".
Some variations of the phrase include ""can't hold a candle to", "doesn't hold a candle to", "not in the same league", and "pales in comparison".
