Tyler Brooks
The phrase Nobody holds a candle to them is an idiom that originated in the 1600s. Back then, craftsmen would employ apprentices to hold candles and provide light while they worked. The phrase is used to convey that someone or something is inferior or not good enough when compared to another. For example, Your horse is unbelievably beautiful. No one else's can hold a candle to yours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Someone or something is inferior or not good enough when compared to another |
| Origin | Before electric lights, craftsmen would employ someone to hold candles so they could see their work. As this was an unskilled job, it would be an insult for a trainee to be told they weren't good enough to hold a candle. |
| Examples | "Your horse is unbelievably beautiful. No one else's can hold a candle to yours." |
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What You'll Learn
Apprentices and craftsmen
The idiom "can't hold a candle to" is believed to have originated in the pre-electricity era, when craftsmen would hire apprentices to hold candles to light their work. This task was usually given to unskilled labourers, often children, who were not yet trained in the craft. If an apprentice couldn't even hold a candle correctly, they were considered worthless.
The phrase is used to compare two things, with one being of lesser quality or ability than the other. For example, "his new car is nice, but it can't hold a candle to his old classic Mustang". Here, the speaker is saying that the new car is not as good as the old one.
In the context of apprentices and craftsmen, the idiom could be used to describe an apprentice who is struggling to keep up with the master craftsman's skills. For instance, "the apprentice's first attempt at woodworking can't hold a candle to the master's decades of expertise". This implies that the apprentice's work pales in comparison to the master's, just as a single candle would provide little light compared to a blazing light.
The phrase can also be used to convey a sense of respect and admiration for the master craftsman's skills. By acknowledging that their own work doesn't hold a candle to the master's, an apprentice recognises the vast gap in skill and knowledge between them. This realisation can serve as a motivator for the apprentice to improve and strive for excellence in their craft.
In a broader sense, the idiom reminds us that we are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master. It highlights the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement, as we can always find someone whose skills or accomplishments exceed our own.
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Insult and inferiority
The phrase "nobody holds a candle to them" is an idiom that originated in the 1600s. Back then, craftsmen would employ assistants, usually children, to hold candles and provide light while they worked. As this was not a skilled job, it was considered an insult for a trainee to be told they weren't good enough to even hold a candle, let alone perform the expert work of the craftsmen. Thus, the phrase "nobody holds a candle to them" implies a sense of inferiority and insult, suggesting that someone or something pales in comparison to another.
For example, one might say, "Your horse is unbelievably beautiful. No one else's can hold a candle to yours," indicating that their horse is far superior in beauty to any other. Similarly, "No one can hold a candle to my mother's quilts—the design and workmanship are superb" highlights the speaker's belief that their mother's quilts are of a much higher quality than anyone else's.
The phrase can also be used in a more light-hearted or humorous manner. For instance, "My boyfriend can't hold down a job, but I can't hold a candle to his cooking skills," suggesting that while the boyfriend may have certain shortcomings, he excels in the kitchen.
The expression is often used to convey a sense of strong preference or admiration for one person or thing over another. It implies that the subject of comparison falls short or is inadequate when contrasted with the person or thing being praised.
In summary, the idiom "nobody holds a candle to them" is a figurative way of saying that someone or something is much better, greater, or more impressive than their counterparts. It draws on the historical insult of being unfit even for the menial task of holding a candle, and applies it to modern comparisons, highlighting the inferiority of one in relation to another.
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Archaic language
The phrase "nobody holds a candle to them" originates from the 1600s, when craftsmen would employ someone to hold a candle, providing light while they worked. This was not a skilled job, and the candle-holders were usually apprentices or children. Thus, it would be an insult for a craftsman to be told they weren't good enough to even hold a candle, implying they lacked even basic competence.
This phrase, "hold a candle to," has endured as an idiom, preserving archaic language from centuries ago. Archaic language, derived from the Greek "arkhaios," meaning "from the beginning" or "ancient," refers to the use of very old language. While no longer used in everyday speech or writing, archaic words are still familiar due to their presence in older literature, law, and history.
Shakespeare is one of the most well-known examples of archaic language in English literature. Words like "thee" and "thou" appear frequently in his works and are easily recognized by readers today. These words were commonplace during his time but are now considered archaic.
Other examples of archaic language include "mawk," meaning "maggot," and "dreckly," a variation of "directly" used in rural areas to indicate a delay. Some words that are not considered archaic, such as "esoteric," "scintillating," and "apocryphal," may have specific meanings or connotations in certain historical contexts.
In conclusion, the phrase "nobody holds a candle to them" is an idiom that has preserved archaic language from the 1600s. Archaic language, as seen in Shakespeare's works, utilizes words and phrases that were once commonplace but are now considered old-fashioned and no longer used in modern speech or writing. These words endure through the study of older literature and their use in law and history.
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Comparison
The phrase "nobody holds a candle to them" is a comparison that suggests that someone or something is far superior or better than others in a particular respect. For example, one might say, "My mother's cooking is delicious; nobody holds a candle to her." This phrase has its roots in the 1600s, when craftsmen would employ assistants, usually children, to hold candles and provide light while they worked. Being unskilled labour, it was considered a grievous insult for an apprentice to be told they weren't good enough even to hold a candle, let alone perform the expert work of the craftsmen. Thus, the phrase "nobody holds a candle to them" implies that someone or something is not just superior, but exceptionally so, akin to how a master craftsman is superior to an apprentice.
The phrase is often used in a negative context, such as "She couldn't hold a candle to you," indicating that someone or something falls short of comparison. It can also be used in a more light-hearted or humorous way, as in the example, "My baby is an angel; no one else can hold a candle to her." In this usage, the speaker is likely exaggerating the qualities of their baby in a playful manner.
It's worth noting that the phrase is typically used in a figurative sense, and using it literally, such as "hold a candle for someone," carries a different connotation. In the literal sense, it can mean to provide light or illumination for someone, or it can take on a more romantic nuance, indicating unrequited love, similar to the phrase "carry a torch for someone."
The preposition "to" in the phrase "hold a candle to" is also significant. It implies a comparison between two people or things, as in "X compared to Y." Using "for" in this context would change the meaning, as in "I will compare the model prices for you," indicating that the speaker is performing the act of comparison for someone else.
In summary, the phrase "nobody holds a candle to them" is a figurative expression that draws on the historical context of craftsmen and apprentices to emphasise the superiority of one person or thing over others. It is often used in a negative light but can also be employed humorously or exaggeratedly to express strong positive sentiments.
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Singing ability
The phrase "nobody holds a candle to" is used to describe someone or something that is far superior to others in a particular field or skill. For example, one could say that "nobody holds a candle to Whitney Houston when it comes to vocal range". This phrase is particularly apt when discussing singing ability, as it originates from a time when craftsmen would employ someone to hold a candle, providing light so they could see their detailed work.
In the context of singing ability, this phrase could be used to describe a singer with exceptional vocal talent, implying that their skill and talent are so outstanding that no one else comes close to matching their performance. This superior singer might possess a unique tone, an impressive range, emotional expression, or a combination of these and other qualities that set them apart from their peers.
For example, let's consider the legendary singer, Whitney Houston. Renowned for her powerful and soulful voice, Houston's incredible vocal range, combined with her ability to convey deep emotion, established her as one of the greatest singers of all time. Her vocal prowess was such that many consider her a benchmark of excellence in the industry, and few, if any, can hold a candle to her when it comes to singing ability.
Another example of a singer who many believe holds a candle to Whitney Houston is the renowned Mariah Carey. Known for her impressive whistle register and melismatic style, Carey has often been compared to Houston and is considered by many to be one of the best vocalists of her generation. While personal preferences may vary, both Houston and Carey are widely recognized as exceptional singers, with their vocal abilities continuing to inspire and influence new generations of artists.
In summary, the phrase "nobody holds a candle to" is a powerful way to describe singers with exceptional talent, skill, and ability. It conveys the idea that their performances are of the highest calibre, leaving their peers behind in the shadows when it comes to vocal excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
It means that nobody is as good as the person being referred to.
The phrase originates from the 1600s, when apprentices would hold candles to light craftsmen's work. If an apprentice couldn't even hold a candle correctly, they were considered worthless.
Not necessarily. It depends on the context and tone in which it's said. It can be used lightly, for example, to express that a sibling is a better singer.
No, it can be used to compare anything, including objects, places, or even abstract concepts.
Sure. "There is not one rock star today who could hold a candle to any of those composers."
