Ben Carter
The idiom don't hold a candle 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. If someone couldn't hold a candle to another person, it implied that they weren't competent or skilled enough to be their assistant. Today, the expression is used to convey that someone or something is not as good as another. For example, Her latest book is enjoyable, but it doesn't hold a candle to her earlier work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | To not be as good as the person or thing mentioned |
| Example | "Her latest book is readable enough, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work." |
| Origin | The phrase originated in the 1600s, when an apprentice would hold a candle to provide light for their master while they worked. If the apprentice couldn't even perform this simple task, they were considered worthless. |
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What You'll Learn
The idiom's origin
The idiom "to hold a candle" or "not to hold a candle" has a long and varied history, with its origin stories stretching back to the 16th century. The phrase has evolved over time, but its core meaning has always revolved around comparison and relative merit.
One of the earliest recorded usages of the phrase is found in William Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," written in the late 1590s. In the play, the character Holofernes uses the expression, saying, "The deer was, as you know, sanguis, in blood; ripe as the pomewater, who now hangeth like a jewel in the ear of caelo, the sky: the which heaven's face seems to weep over, which drops so many Jeremy tears, that it cannot but be a commixture of thunder-water and rain-water." Here, Shakespeare uses the image of a candle to illustrate the passing of time and the changing of seasons, with the deer's once-vibrant blood now dripping like tears from the sky.
However, the origin of the phrase is often attributed to the practices of the medieval era, specifically the use of candles in legal and educational settings. In the absence of electric lighting, candles played a crucial role in You may want to see also The idiom "don't hold a candle to" is used to compare two things, with one being inferior or less impressive than the other. Here are some examples of how this idiom can be used in context: "When it comes to singing, my brother doesn't hold a candle to my sister". This means that the sister is a better singer than the brother. "Her latest book is readable, but it doesn't hold a candle to her earlier works". Here, the idiom is used to express that the author's previous books are superior to her latest one. "No one's flowers hold a candle to Jack's". This sentence compares Jack's flowers to those of others, implying that Jack's flowers are the best. "After 50 years of marriage, my wife is still incredibly beautiful and kind. No one can hold a candle to her". In this example, the speaker is saying that their wife is more beautiful and kind than anyone else. "Even the best coffee chains don't hold a candle to a carefully crafted home brew". This implies that a homemade coffee brew is better than anything a coffee chain can offer. You may want to see also The idiom "to hold a candle" or "can't hold a candle to" 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 someone couldn't hold a candle to another person, it implied that they weren't qualified or competent enough to assist them. "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." "No offense, but your rendition of the song doesn't hold a candle to the original." When using this idiom, it is important to note the difference between the prepositions "to" and "for." The phrase uses "to" because it emphasizes the comparison between two things or people. For example, we say "X compared to Y" instead of "X compared for Y." Using "for" in this context would imply that the candle-holder is assisting the other person, which is not the focus of the idiom. The use of "to" instead of "for" also preserves a bit of archaic language from when the idiom was first coined. Idioms often contain words or structures that are no longer commonly used in modern language, such as the word "forth" in the idiom "back and forth." In conclusion, the idiom "to hold a candle" or "can't hold a candle to" is a powerful way to express that someone or something is not as good or impressive as another. The phrase has its roots in the pre-electricity era and effectively uses the preposition "to" to emphasize the comparison being made. You may want to see also The phrase "can't hold a candle to [someone or something]" is an idiomatic expression that means something is comparatively inferior. For example, one might say, "My brother can't hold a candle to my sister when it comes to singing," meaning that the sister is a better singer than the brother. The phrase originates from the 1600s, when an apprentice to a master craftsman might only be fit to hold a candle to provide light for the master while he works. An apprentice who couldn't even hold a candle correctly and provide adequate lighting for their master was considered worthless. In the context of apprentice candle-holders, the phrase takes on a more literal meaning. Apprentice candle-holders were responsible for holding candles to illuminate their master's work area. If an apprentice couldn't hold the candle properly, they would fail to direct the candlelight toward the master or the area they were working on, hindering their ability to perform their tasks effectively. In the show Chowder, Gorgonzola is an apprentice candle-holder under his master, Stilton. Gorgonzola is described as an immature and selfish rat, but he shows care for those he considers friends. Despite his initial shortcomings, Gorgonzola eventually becomes a successful candle holder, even becoming the CEO of Candle Corp. Industries and taking on his own apprentice, Kabob. This narrative arc exemplifies the idea of an apprentice candle-holder's journey toward mastery, both literally illuminating their master's work and figuratively learning and growing from their teachings. The role of an apprentice candle-holder extends beyond merely holding a candle. It represents a commitment to learning, self-improvement, and the pursuit of excellence. Apprentice candle-holders are entrusted with the task of providing adequate lighting for their masters, but they also absorb knowledge, skills, and wisdom through their mentorship. The relationship between a master and an apprentice candle-holder is one of guidance, dedication, and the passing down of traditions and expertise. While the phrase "can't hold a candle to [someone or something]" may have originated from the literal act of holding a candle, it has evolved to encompass a broader metaphorical meaning. It captures the idea of inferiority or inadequacy in comparison to someone or something else, reflecting the perceived worthlessness of an apprentice who couldn't fulfill even the simplest of tasks for their master. You may want to see also The idiom "don't hold a candle" means that something or someone is not as good as the person or thing mentioned. It is a comparison that highlights a clear difference in quality, competence, or effectiveness between two entities. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is not even close to another person in terms of qualities, intelligence, or performance. For example, "Her latest book is good, but it doesn't hold a candle to her earlier work". You may want to see also If someone or something is not as good as another when compared, it is said that it doesn't hold a candle to the superior version. The expression dates back to the pre-electricity era when apprentices would hold candles to illuminate the work of skilled craftsmen. If someone couldn't hold a candle to another person, it meant they weren't even qualified to be their assistant. You can use the expression in sentences like, "When it comes to singing, my brother doesn't hold a candle to my sister," or "Their new album doesn't hold a candle to their debut." Some alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning include "fall short of," "pale in comparison to," or "not measure up to."Bath & Body Works: Twice-Yearly Candle Sales
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Examples of usage
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'To' vs 'for'
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Apprentice candle-holders
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Other idioms
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Frequently asked questions
